Splinters are typically tiny and usually an irritationirritating, but they can become an infection concern and should not be overlooked. Whether you have a splinter that is more serious and extends deep under your skin or simply a small one, different methods of removalremoval methods are important to avoid getting an infection.
Step-by-step Guide for safe removal of a splinter
Step 1: Assess the Splinter
Before removing a splinter, it’s important to examine the area closely to determine the it’s depth and angle. If it is shallow and clearly visible, removal is usually straightforward. However, deeply embedded splinters may require extra care to avoid causing more damage to the skin.
Step 2: Gather Your First Aid Tools
As with most splinter removals, the key to safety is preparation. For safe removal, the tools you are going to need include a pair of tweezers, a magnifying glass to view the splinter closely, rubbing alcohol or antiseptic to clean the tweezers and needle, a sterilized needle in case the it is deep, and a bandage to cover the area after removal of the shard.
Step 3: How to Remove a Splinter
If you have a splinter and wish to remove it, you should wash your hands and the affected area with soap and water. This step reduces the probability of getting an infection. After that, clean the tools you are going to use, such as the tweezers and needle, with rubbing alcohol.
If the shard is deep into the skin, use the needle to prick the affected area to bring it closer to the surface. Once it’s in a reachable position, use the tweezers to grab it and then draw it out in the same angle it penetrated the skin to ensure it does not break.
Step 4: Clean and Protect the Wound
Once the splinter has been extracted, wash the site one more time with an antiseptic to eliminate any germs sticking close to the skin surface. Lastly, be sure to cover the area with a bandage to further prevent the wound from getting infected as it heals.
Ready to Learn More?
Know how to get your splinter out safely. Our First Aid courses offer complete training to help you handle critical situations. Whether you want to improve your skills or workplace safety, these courses help build confidence and expertise. View our Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) and Level 3 First Aid at Work courses. These courses meet the UK legal requirements and help you keep people safe.