How to Treat a Splinter Infection

Sometimes an infection can develop in a wound caused by a splinter, whether you removed the splinter or not. You are more likely to develop an infection from an organic material, such as wood, rather than from glass or metal.

Things You'll Need

• Tweezers
• Rubbing alcohol
• Antibacterial soap
• Cotton swab
• Antiseptic
• Triple antibiotic ointment
• Bandages

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Instructions

• 1

  Remove the splinter. Use tweezers sterilized with rubbing alcohol to grasp the end of the splinter. If the end isn't sticking out of your skin, push it out by pressing the other end. If you cannot get the splinter out, see a doctor for assistance.

• 2

  Keep the area clean with warm water and antibacterial soap. Wash the area any time it gets dirty or no less than three times a day. You may also treat the wound with a cotton swab soaked in an antiseptic such as a povidone-iodine solution. Keep the wound dry except when you're bathing or cleansing the wound.

• 3

  Apply a triple antibiotic ointment to the infected wound two or three times daily, and keep it bandaged during the day. Replace the bandage if it gets wet with blood or pus. The wound will benefit from air drying, so allow it to stay dry without a bandage while you sleep.

• 4

  Visit your doctor if the infection doesn't improve in a few days. A small piece of the splinter may remain in the wound, which may prevent the infection from healing.