Noah Sinclair
Getting a splinter is a common and usually harmless injury, but it can be painful and annoying. Most splinters can be removed at home, but deep splinters, especially those under a toenail, may need to be removed by a doctor. Here's a look at how to safely remove a deep splinter from a toenail, when to see a doctor, and ways to prevent infection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to see a doctor | When the splinter is deep, infected, or under the nail |
| Home remedies | Baking soda paste, Epsom salt, duct tape, manuka honey, hydrogen peroxide, soaking in warm water |
| Tools | Needle, tweezers, duct tape, forceps, scalpel, scissors, nail elevator, carbon dioxide laser unit |
| Precautions | Wash hands and sterilize tools, avoid pinching the skin, pull out splinter in the same direction it went in, cover the wound with antibiotic ointment or Vaseline and a bandage |
| Complications | Inflammation, infection, toxic reactions, granuloma formation, permanent vision loss (if near or in the eye), hitting a blood vessel (if the wound won't stop bleeding) |
| Prevention | Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) vaccine, keeping up to date on tetanus vaccine |
| Professional removal methods | Ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, X-ray, anesthetic injection, incision with a scalpel, avulsing the nail plate, laser vaporization, irrigation, wound debridement, sutures, antibiotics |
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What You'll Learn
When to seek professional help
In most cases, splinters can be removed at home without medical intervention. However, there are certain situations in which it is recommended to seek professional help.
Firstly, if the splinter is deeply embedded under your toenail, it may be difficult to remove on your own. Deep splinters may require a physician to numb the area and then make an incision to remove the splinter. If the splinter is under your toenail, the doctor may need to remove part of the nail to access the splinter. Therefore, if the splinter is too deep to remove at home, it is advisable to see a doctor.
Secondly, if the splinter has broken during your attempts to remove it, or if you have only been able to remove a portion of it, and there is still foreign material embedded in your skin, you should seek medical help. This is because, if not removed completely, splinters may cause complications such as inflammation and infection. If the splinter has caused an infection, your doctor will be able to remove the splinter, clean the area, and provide antibiotics if necessary. Signs of infection include continued pain, swelling, and redness around the splinter.
Thirdly, if the splinter is causing serious and excessive bleeding, you should go to your local emergency room to have it removed.
Finally, if you are unable to remove the splinter after 10-15 minutes of trying, or if you are dealing with a child who is uncooperative, it is recommended to seek help from a medical professional.
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Using tweezers to remove the splinter
If you are attempting to remove a deep splinter from a toenail, it is recommended that you seek professional help. However, if you choose to remove it yourself, tweezers can be used.
Firstly, wash your hands with soap and water and sanitise the tweezers with rubbing alcohol. If the splinter is not fully embedded in the skin, you can use the tweezers to grab the exposed part and pull it out in the same direction that it went in. If the splinter is fully embedded, you will need to use a needle to expose it. Sterilise the needle with rubbing alcohol or boiling water, then gently poke a hole in the skin directly over the end of the splinter. Use the needle to push the splinter up and out, then use the tweezers to grab the exposed part and pull it out.
If the splinter is too deep, or if you are unable to remove it, you should see a doctor. Do not try to dig out a splinter that is underneath your toenail, as this can be difficult and painful, and may cause permanent damage. If the splinter site won't stop bleeding, get medical help immediately, as it may have hit a blood vessel.
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Using a needle to bring the splinter to the surface
If the splinter is fully embedded under the toenail, a sterilized needle may be the best tool to bring it to the surface. Firstly, wash your hands and the affected area with soap and water. Then, sterilize a sewing needle by wiping it down with rubbing alcohol or boiling water.
Using a magnifying glass and good lighting, gently poke a hole in the skin directly over the end of the splinter that is closest to the surface. Push the needle under the nail, towards the end of the splinter, and use it to pry out and expose the end of the splinter. If the splinter is especially deep, you can make a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to the affected area. Then, cover it with a plaster or bandage and wait about a day; the paste should move the splinter closer to the surface of the skin.
Once enough of the splinter is outside of the skin, you can use tweezers to grip it and pull it out in the same direction it went in. Wash the area thoroughly. If the splinter is too deep, looks infected, or is in a difficult location, see a healthcare professional for help.
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Softening the skin to help with removal
If you have a deep splinter embedded under your toenail, it is best to get it removed by a healthcare professional. However, if you choose to remove it at home, softening the skin around the splinter can help with the removal. Here are some methods to help soften the skin:
Soaking in Warm Water
Soaking the affected area in warm water for a few minutes can make the skin more pliable and softer, making it easier to remove the splinter. You can also add a tablespoon of baking soda to the warm water and soak your toe in it. Doing this twice a day for several days might help bring the splinter closer to the surface, making it easier to grip with tweezers.
Honey
Covering the splinter area with manuka honey and a bandage for a few hours or overnight can help soften the skin. Honey acts as a natural antiseptic, reducing the risk of infection. This method is suitable for small, pain-free wounds near the skin's surface.
Potato and Banana Peels
Some believe that the enzymes in potato and banana peels can make your skin softer, making it easier to remove the splinter with tweezers or a needle. However, this method requires keeping the peel on for several hours, which can be challenging due to the slippery nature of peels. There is also a risk of bacterial growth and an increased chance of infection with this method.
Baking Soda Paste
Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with one tablespoon of water to form a paste. Apply this paste to the skin over the splinter and cover it with a bandage for 24 hours. The baking soda may help bring the splinter closer to the surface, making it easier to remove with tweezers or a needle.
Essential Oils
Soaking the affected area in diluted essential oils, such as lavender oil or tea tree oil, might help draw out the splinter by causing the skin to swell. However, it is important to research the quality of essential oils and perform a patch test before using them.
While these methods can help soften the skin and bring the splinter closer to the surface, always exercise caution when attempting to remove a deep splinter. If the splinter is too deep or located in a difficult area, it is best to seek professional medical assistance to avoid infection and tissue damage.
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Preventing infection after removal
If the splinter is deeply embedded under your toenail, it is best to have it removed by a doctor. However, if you choose to remove it at home, there are several methods you can try. Firstly, sterilise a pair of tweezers in rubbing alcohol and wash your hands and the area around the splinter. Then, use the tweezers to grab the splinter and pull it out gently in the same direction it went in.
To prevent infection after removing a deep splinter from your toenail, it is important to take the following steps:
- Wash your hands and the affected area with soap and water.
- Apply an antibiotic ointment or Vaseline to the area to prevent infection and promote healing.
- Cover the area with a bandage to keep it clean and protected.
- Keep the area clean and dry after removing the bandage.
- If the splinter was organic material, such as wood or a thorn, or if there are signs of infection (redness, swelling, pain, or discharge), seek medical attention as soon as possible.
- Ensure your tetanus vaccine is up to date. If you are unsure, consult your doctor.
- If you are unable to remove the splinter successfully, or if it breaks during removal, seek medical attention to avoid infection and other complications.
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