How to Remove a Fine Splinter or Cactus Needle Using Elmer's Glue

Fine splinters and cactus needles can be difficult to remove. Sometimes, you can't even see these tiny splinters or cactus needles, much less remove them with tweezers. Elmer's School Glue works well to remove tiny, painful cactus needles. Often, trying to remove the splinter or cactus needle with tweezers and a needle actually drives the object deeper into the skin, so try this method first. For best results, you want as much of the cactus needle or fine splinter situated above the skin's surface.

Things You'll Need

• Elmer's or any other brand of white school glue
• Antibacterial soap
• Paper towel or tissue
• Antiseptic like betadine or hydrogen peroxide
• Antibiotic ointment
• Adhesive bandage

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Instructions

• 1

  Try this method before you decide to pick and poke at the spot where you suspect the tiny, nearly invisible splinter or cactus needle is located. Often, trying to remove the splinter or cactus needle actually drives the object deeper into the skin. For best results, you want as much of the cactus needle or fine splinter situated above the skin's surface.

• 2

  Shake up a bottle of Elmer's School Glue. Any other brand white school glue will also work for this cactus needle removal method.

• 3

  Pour about 1/2 teaspoon of the glue into the palm of the hand or finger where the splinter or cactus thorn is located. With your uninjured hand, use a finger or two to spread a moderately thin layer of glue over the area where the splinter or cactus needle is located. Spread the glue about 1/2 inch around the suspected site of the splinter or embedded cactus needle.

• 4

  Use a paper towel or tissue to wipe the excess glue from the palm of your hand. Be careful not to wipe away any of the glue on your finger or wherever the glue is situated around the splinter.

• 5

  Allow the glue to dry for about five minutes and then repeat steps 3 and 4 to add another thin layer of glue to the site of the small hard-to-see splinter or cactus needle. A couple of layers of glue will make for a better hold on the splinter or cactus needle.

• 6

  Peel off the glue gently after the second layer of glue has dried. With any luck, the cactus needle or splinter will be stuck to the glue and will pull out of your skin. Sometimes, if there are several cactus needles present, a second gluing is necessary to capture and remove them all.

• 7

  Wash the area with an antibacterial soap such as Dial to limit the chances of infection.

• 8

  Dry with a clean paper towel, apply a dab of antibiotic ointment and cover for two days with an adhesive bandage to promote healing and prevent infection.

• 9

  Monitor the site where the cactus needle was embedded for signs of infection like redness, swelling or pain.