Noah Sinclair
Getting a splinter is a common but painful injury that can usually be treated at home. However, if a splinter is deeply embedded under a fingernail or toenail, it may require medical intervention. Doctors can remove splinters in several ways, including using tweezers, needles, or surgical methods, such as incisions or lasers. In this article, we will explore the different techniques doctors use to remove splinters from under nails and provide advice on when to seek medical attention.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to see a doctor | If the splinter is deep under the nail, infected, or causing excessive bleeding |
| Removal process | Doctors may remove part of the nail, numb the area, use imaging modalities for better localisation, and prescribe antibiotics |
| Tools | Tweezers, needles, scalpel, scissors, forceps, curved hemostat, blade |
| Home remedies | Soaking the area in a solution like hydrogen peroxide, Epsom salt, or baking soda mixed with water; using duct tape; natural skin shedding |
| Prevention | Wash the affected area, apply antibiotic ointment, cover with a bandage |
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What You'll Learn
When to see a doctor
Most splinters can be removed at home without medical intervention. However, there are certain instances where you should seek medical attention to have a splinter removed.
Firstly, if the splinter is deeply embedded in the skin, especially under a fingernail or toenail, it may be impossible to remove at home and will require a doctor's assistance. In such cases, a doctor may need to remove part or all of the nail to access and remove the splinter completely.
Secondly, if the splinter has caused an infection, it is important to see a doctor. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, warmth, tenderness, and discharge (pus) around the affected area. A doctor will clean the area, explore the infected area to remove the splinter, and may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.
Thirdly, if the splinter is causing serious and excessive bleeding, go to your local emergency room to have it removed.
Additionally, if the splinter is in an awkward location, such as near the eye, or if it has entered the skin vertically, it may be difficult to remove at home and a doctor should be consulted.
Finally, if you are unable to remove the splinter on your own after several attempts, it is best to seek medical help to prevent further complications.
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Removing the splinter
If the splinter is deep under your nail, has become infected, or is causing serious bleeding, you should seek medical attention. A doctor may need to remove part or all of your nail to access the splinter. They may also administer a local anaesthetic to numb the area and reduce pain.
If the splinter is not too deep and you feel comfortable removing it yourself, you can use tweezers or a needle. First, sterilise your equipment with rubbing alcohol or boiling water. Wash your hands and the area around the splinter with soap and water, or use rubbing alcohol if it is difficult to wash. If you have long nails, you may want to cut them back to better see the splinter.
Using tweezers, grab the exposed portion of the splinter and pull it out gently in the same direction it went in. If no part of the splinter is exposed, use a needle to gently pierce the skin and push out one end of the splinter. Then, use tweezers to grab the exposed end and pull it out.
If the splinter breaks during removal, you may need to soak the area in a solution such as hydrogen peroxide, Epsom salt mixed with water, or baking soda mixed with water. This can help to draw out the remaining splinter. Alternatively, you can use duct tape to remove small, less invasive splinters. Place the tape over the affected area and lift gently.
After successfully removing the splinter, wash the area with soap and apply an antibiotic ointment or Vaseline. Cover the area with a bandage to prevent infection.
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Preventing infection
Splinters are foreign bodies that are partially or fully embedded in the skin. They are usually caused by wood but can also be caused by metal, glass, and plastic materials. Splinters are full of germs and if left untreated, they can cause an infection. Therefore, it is important to take the necessary steps to prevent infection.
Firstly, it is important to wash the area and nail where the splinter is located before attempting to remove it. This helps prevent infection. If it is difficult to wash with soap and water, you can use rubbing alcohol.
If you are removing the splinter yourself, it is important to sterilize any equipment you are planning to use, such as tweezers and needles, using rubbing alcohol or boiling water. Wash your hands before touching any sterilized equipment.
If you are successful in removing the splinter, wash the affected area with soap, put some antibiotic ointment or Vaseline over it, and cover it with a bandage.
If you notice any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pain, or discharge, seek medical attention. A doctor may prescribe antibiotics or remove the splinter and give you antibiotics. Depending on your vaccinations, you may require a tetanus shot.
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Home remedies
If the splinter is deeply embedded under your nail, it may be impossible to remove at home and you should seek medical attention. However, if the splinter is only partially embedded under the nail, you can try the following home remedies:
Prepare your tools
Sterilize a pair of tweezers and a needle in rubbing alcohol or boiling water. Wash your hands before touching any sterilized equipment.
Expose the splinter
If the splinter is fully embedded under your skin, use the needle to gently pierce the skin and push out one end of the splinter. If the splinter is embedded under your nail, you may need to cut back your nail to expose the splinter.
Remove the splinter
Use the tweezers to grab the exposed end of the splinter. Keep a firm hold on the splinter and pull it out in the same direction it went in.
Aftercare
After removing the splinter, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water. Apply some antibiotic ointment or Vaseline and cover the area with a bandage.
Alternative methods
If the splinter is small and easily accessible, you can try to remove it with sticky tape, such as duct tape or packing tape. Place the tape over the splinter and lift gently. You can also try soaking the area in a solution of Epsom salt and warm water, or baking soda and water, to help draw out the splinter.
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Aftercare
After a splinter is removed, it is important to take care of the affected area to prevent infection and ensure proper healing. Here are some detailed aftercare instructions to follow:
Clean the Wound
Wash the area with mild soap and warm water to remove any dirt, debris, or remaining splinter fragments. Gently pat the area dry with a clean cloth or sterile gauze. This step is crucial to reducing the risk of infection.
Apply Antibiotic Ointment
After cleaning the wound, apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment or cream to the affected area. This will help prevent infection and promote healing. You can purchase over-the-counter antibiotic ointments at your local pharmacy.
Cover with a Bandage
Once the ointment is applied, cover the area with a sterile bandage or dressing. This will keep the wound clean and protected from further irritation. Change the bandage daily or whenever it becomes wet or soiled.
Monitor for Signs of Infection
Keep a close eye on the affected area for several days following the splinter removal. If you notice any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, pain, or pus, seek medical attention promptly. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.
Keep the Area Elevated
If the splinter was embedded in your hand or finger, try to keep the affected area elevated above the level of your heart as much as possible, especially during the first 24 to 48 hours after removal. This will help reduce swelling and promote healing.
Change Dressings as Directed
If your doctor has applied a specific type of dressing or performed suturing, follow their instructions for changing or removing the dressing. They may provide you with specific wound care instructions, including how often to change the dressing and what type of dressing to use.
Take Pain Medication if Needed
If you experience pain or discomfort following the splinter removal, take over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. This can help manage any pain and reduce inflammation.
Follow-up with Your Doctor
If the splinter was deep or if there was an infection, your doctor may schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor your healing progress. They may also recommend a tetanus shot if your immunizations are not up to date or if the wound is at risk for tetanus.
Remember, it is essential to prioritize wound care and follow these aftercare instructions to promote proper healing and reduce the risk of infection. If you have any concerns or if the wound does not appear to be healing properly, do not hesitate to contact your healthcare provider for further guidance or a follow-up assessment.
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Frequently asked questions
If the splinter is deeply embedded under your nail, it is best to contact a doctor to arrange its removal. If you attempt to remove it yourself, use a pair of tweezers sterilised in rubbing alcohol. Wash your hands and the area around the splinter, then use the tweezers to grab and pull out the splinter in the same direction it went in.
Doctors may have to remove some or all of the nail to remove the splinter. They will first inject a local anaesthetic to numb the area. Then, they will use a scalpel or small, strong scissors to cut a V-shaped piece of the nail, with the point of the V at the proximal tip of the splinter. The doctor will then grasp and remove the splinter, being careful not to push it further into the nail bed.
After removing the splinter, the doctor will cleanse the area and irrigate the wound under high pressure. They may prescribe antibiotics and give you wound-care instructions. If the wound is large, they may close it with stitches. Depending on your vaccination status, you may require a tetanus shot.
