Splinter Removal

Splinter removal is a way to remove splinters of wood or other foreign bodies that are just under the skin.

Who is a candidate for the procedure?

Just about any individual who has a splinter under the skin is a candidate. Those who might not be candidates are those who are on blood thinners, such as aspirin or warfarin, or those who have other injuries that are much more serious than a splinter under the skin.

How is the procedure performed?

First, tweezers and a straight pin or needle should be sterilized by soaking them in rubbing alcohol for 10 to 15 minutes or by boiling them in water for 10 minutes and then allowing them to cool. After this is done, the skin over the area of the splinter should be removed carefully with the straight pin. The tweezers should then be grasped in the hands, and the splinter removed from the skin. After this, the area should be cleaned and a small dressing such as an adhesive bandage placed over the area.