Isla Bennett
Getting a splinter out from under a fingernail can be a painful and difficult process. Splinters are foreign bodies that can get lodged under the skin, most often wood but also metal, glass, plastic, and thorns. If the splinter is deeply embedded, it may be necessary to see a doctor, but there are several home remedies that can be tried first. These include using tweezers, needles, duct tape, and soaking the area in warm water and baking soda, or essential oils.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Objects causing slivers | Wood, metal, glass, plastic, thorns, cactus spines, toothpicks, fiberglass |
| Removal methods | Tweezers, warm water and<co: 2,3,8>baking soda, tape, wax hair remover, fine scissors, needles |
| Aftercare | Clean with soap and water, apply antibiotic ointment, cover with a bandage |
| When to seek medical help | If the splinter is deeply embedded, if there is bleeding, infection, redness, swelling, warmth, redness, or pain |
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What You'll Learn
Home removal methods
If you have a splinter under your fingernail, it is best to remove it as soon as possible to prevent infection. Here are some home removal methods:
Soaking
Soak the affected area in warm water and baking soda. You can do this twice a day. This method may take several days to be effective, but it will help bring the splinter closer to the skin's surface, making it easier to grab with tweezers or causing it to fall out on its own.
Tweezers
If part of the splinter is exposed and visible, you can use tweezers to grab and pull it out. Ensure that you sterilize the tweezers with rubbing alcohol or boiling water before use. Wash your hands and the area around the splinter before attempting removal. Pull the splinter out in the same direction it went in.
Tape
Place tape, such as duct tape, over the exposed portion of the splinter and then quickly remove it. This method may be useful for removing smaller splinters that are difficult to grip with tweezers.
Needle
If the splinter is deeply embedded under your nail with no part of it exposed above the skin, you may need to use a sterile needle to expose the end of the splinter. Be very careful when using a needle to avoid causing further injury. Once the end of the splinter is exposed, you can use tweezers to grab and pull it out.
It is important to note that if you are unable to remove the splinter safely at home, do not forcefully dig it out, as this can cause permanent damage and increase the risk of infection. In such cases, it is advisable to seek medical help. After successfully removing the splinter, clean the area with soap and water, and apply an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
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When to see a doctor
In most cases, splinters can be removed at home without any complications. However, there are certain instances where it is best to seek medical attention. Here are some scenarios that warrant a visit to the doctor:
- Deeply Embedded Splinters: If the splinter is deeply embedded under your fingernail, it may be challenging and painful to remove at home. In such cases, a doctor may need to remove a portion of the nail or perform minor surgery to extract the splinter completely.
- Inaccessible Location: If the splinter is located under your fingernail or toenail and cannot be easily reached or removed with at-home methods, it is best to consult a doctor. They have the necessary tools and expertise to safely remove the splinter without causing further damage.
- Bleeding: If the area around the splinter won't stop bleeding, it could be a sign that the splinter has hit a blood vessel. Seek medical attention to control the bleeding and ensure there is no further complication.
- Infection: If you notice signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, pain, or pus, it is important to see a doctor. Infections can be treated with antibiotics, and the doctor will also ensure that the splinter is completely removed to prevent further issues.
- Large or Deep Puncture Wounds: Larger splinters that interfere with sensation or movement have the potential to create deep puncture wounds. If the splinter has penetrated a bone, tendon, blood vessel, or a vital area, seek medical attention to minimize the risk of permanent damage.
- Inability to Remove at Home: While many splinters can be removed with at-home methods, some may prove difficult or inaccessible. If you are unable to remove the splinter safely and effectively on your own, it is advisable to seek professional medical assistance.
Remember, attempting to remove a deeply embedded or inaccessible splinter on your own can lead to tissue damage, infection, and long-term scarring. Therefore, it is always best to err on the side of caution and consult a healthcare professional if you have any doubts or concerns about removing a splinter under your fingernail.
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Preventing infection
Slivers or splinters under the fingernail can be extremely painful and hard to remove. They can be caused by a variety of materials, including wood, metal, glass, and plastic. While some slivers can be removed at home, others may require medical attention.
It is important to remove a sliver as soon as possible to prevent infection. Organic materials, such as wood, are particularly prone to infection and should be removed quickly. If the sliver is embedded too deeply, it is best to seek medical help to avoid damaging healthy tissue and causing long-term scarring.
Before attempting to remove the sliver at home, ensure that you have sterilised your equipment. Wash your hands and sterilise any tweezers or needles with rubbing alcohol or boiling water. Wash the area around the sliver with soap and water, or use rubbing alcohol if that is difficult.
Once the sliver has been removed, clean the area again with soap and water. Apply an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection and cover the area with a bandage, especially if it is bleeding or in a spot that might get infected. Change the bandage anytime it gets wet or dirty.
If you notice any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, pain, or discharge, seek medical attention immediately.
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Types of slivers
Slivers, or splinters, are small, foreign objects that get embedded in the skin. While most people associate splinters with wood, they can also be caused by metal, glass, plastic, and even some types of plant matter, such as cactus spines, thorns, and stickers.
Splinters under a fingernail can be especially difficult to remove and painful. Some slivers may be deeply embedded with no part of the splinter exposed above the skin. In these cases, it is recommended to seek professional medical help. A doctor may have to remove part of the nail or use an X-ray or ultrasound to locate and remove the splinter.
If the sliver is accessible, there are several methods to remove it at home. One method is to use a pair of tweezers. First, sterilize the tweezers with rubbing alcohol or boiling water, and wash your hands and the area around the splinter. Then, use the tweezers to grab the sliver and pull it out in the same direction it went in. If the sliver is too small to be grabbed by tweezers, you can try coaxing it out by soaking the area in warm water and baking soda. This process may need to be repeated several times a day for several days until the sliver is close enough to the skin to be removed.
Another method is to use tape. Place tape over the exposed portion of the sliver and then remove it quickly. If the sliver is too small to be grabbed by tweezers or exposed with tape, you may need to use a needle to remove it. First, sterilize the needle with rubbing alcohol or boiling water. Then, use the needle to open the skin and expose the sliver. Go along the length of the sliver and flick it out.
After removing the sliver, be sure to clean the area with soap and water and apply an antibiotic ointment to decrease the risk of infection.
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Removal tools
If you are going to remove a splinter on your own at home, you will most likely need a set of tweezers, as the splinter will probably be too small to grip with your fingers. If the splinter is embedded so far under your nail that no part of the splinter is above your skin, you may also need to use a needle to remove it. It is important to sterilise any equipment you are planning to use to remove the splinter. You can sterilise tweezers and needles using rubbing alcohol or boiling water. Wash your hands before touching any sterilised equipment.
Another option is to soak the affected area in warm water and baking soda. Splinters that are deeply embedded under a nail, or are too small to grip with tweezers, may be coaxed out using this method. You can also use tape to remove the splinter. Simply place tape over the exposed portion of the splinter and then remove the tape quickly.
There are also specific splinter removal tools available to buy, such as the Splinter Liberator tool, which has a triangular-shaped cutting tip that removes the skin over splinters for easy access. The Splinter Remover by Splinter Aid has a Tri-Bevel design for lifting and pulling out splinters.
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Frequently asked questions
A splinter is a sliver of foreign material that gets lodged under the skin. Splinters are most commonly wood but can also be metal, glass, plastic, or other foreign objects.
If the splinter is deeply embedded under your nail, you can try soaking the area in warm water and baking soda. This may help bring the splinter closer to the surface so that you can then use tweezers to remove it. If the splinter is too small to be removed with tweezers, you can try using tape or a needle.
If the splinter is completely embedded in your skin or is causing pain, redness, swelling, or other signs of infection, you should see a doctor. Additionally, if the splinter is in a sensitive area, such as near your eye, you should seek medical help.
It is important to remove a splinter as soon as possible to prevent infection. After removing a splinter, wash the area with soap and water, apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover it with a bandage until the wound heals.
