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Splinters

Splinters Overview

Splinters are foreign bodies that are partially or fully embedded in the skin. Splinters usually are wood, but metal, glass, and even plastic materials may be considered a splinter.

Sometimes splinters have to be removed by medical professionals, especially splinters that are deeply embedded or lodged under a fingernail or toenail.

Most people with splinters, however, are able to remove them at home.

  • Splinters are usually found when they penetrate the skin-usually in the hand or foot. Almost always, even fully embedded foreign bodies have a unique sensation.
  • Splinters are full of germs. If splinters are not removed (or don't work their way out themselves), they may cause an infection or an allergic response.



Next: Splinters Causes »

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Splinters

Puncture Wound »

Puncture Wound Overview

A puncture wound is caused by an object piercing the skin and creating a small hole. Some punctures are just on the surface. Others can be very deep, depending on the source and cause.

A puncture wound does not usually result in excessive bleeding. Usually, these wounds close fairly quickly on their own. Treatment may be necessary to prevent infection. A puncture wound from a cause such as stepping on a nail can become infected because the object that caused the wound may carry bacteria or spores of tetanus into the skin and tissue.

Puncture Wound Causes

Common causes of puncture wounds are wood splinters, pins, nails, and glass. Puncture wounds may also be caused by objects such as scissors and knives. Almost any sharp object can potentially cause a puncture wound.

Puncture Wound Symptoms

  • Puncture wounds usually cause pain and mild bleeding at the site of ...

Read the Puncture Wound article »



Read What Your Physician is Reading on eMedicine

Foreign Body Removal, Wound »

Soft tissue foreign bodies are frequently a result of penetrating or abrasive trauma and can result in substantial patient discomfort, deformity, complications involving localized and systemic infection, and further trauma during removal.

Read More on eMedicine »

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