How to Remove Fiberglass Sealing Splinters from Fingers
Fiberglass splinters, though extremely fine, can be very painful, especially if they are deep beneath the skin. Unfortunately, unlike wood or metal splinters, fiberglass splinters are made from clear glass and difficult to see. The technique for removing fiberglass sealing splinters from fingers or other exposed skin is the same as for other types of splinters. However, the delicate nature of the glass fiber requires caution.Things You'll Need
- Soap
- Tape
- Wax hair remover
- Antibiotic ointment
Instructions
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1
Wash the area of the splinter carefully with soap and warm water. Be careful not to scrub the area or you will break off the end of the splinter.
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2
Cut a small piece of tape. The type of tape does not matter. Use office tape, packing tape or duct tape, whichever is most convenient.
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3
Place the tape over the area of the splinter and press down lightly.
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4
Carefully pull the tape off your finger. If you can see the direction of the splinter, pull in the opposite direction. If the splinter is not removed on the first pull, reapply the tape and pull in the opposite direction. Should the fiberglass splinter still remain in your finger, proceed to step 5. Otherwise, skip to step 8.
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5
Place a small amount of wax hair remover over the area of the splinter and allow to cool. The wax will encase the splinter and exert greater force when pulling out a deeply embedded splinter.
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6
Carefully peel the wax from the skin in the direction of the splinter if possible. If the splinter is not removed on the first pull, reapply the wax and peel in the opposite direction. Should the fiberglass splinter still remain in your finger, proceed to step7. Otherwise, skip to step 8.
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7
Soak your fingers in warm soapy water to draw out the splinter. Repeat steps 2 through 6 until the splinter is removed.
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8
Apply antibiotic ointment to the area of the removed splinter and monitor for signs of infections such as redness and swelling.
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