How to Remove a Stubborn Splinter

Splinters are a natural hazard when handling wood and other objects. These splinters will naturally remove themselves as the skin grows. However, when left unresolved, a particularly painful and stubborn splinter can cause infections characterized by redness, swelling, and eventually pus. While infected splinters should be attended to by a trainer doctor, a few simple steps and everyday household items can be used to help remove stubborn splinters, before an they can cause an infection.

Things You'll Need

• Tweezers
• Small needle
• Povidone-iodine solution
• Mild soap and water
• Vegetable oil

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Instructions

• 1

  Soak the area containing the splinter in vegetable oil for up to an hour. The vegetable oil will help to lubricate and dislodge the splinter.

• 2

  Wash your hands with mild soap and water, before attempting to remove the splinter. The soap will also help to lubricate and dislodge painful splinters.

• 3

  Squeeze the splinter with your fingers from both sides and from the bottom, in an attempt to push the splinter out, before using invasive methods.

• 4

  Sterilize a needle and a pair of tweezers with an iodine solution, rather than alcohol. Iodine, particularly a solution of povidone-iodine, is much more effective than alcohol at killing infection causing bacteria.

• 5

  Wash your hands a second time, and treat the area around the splinter with the iodine solution.

• 6

  Cut the skin just above the splinter using the sterilized needle. This cut should just lift the skin enough to reveal the splinter. The cut should also be small and shallow and shouldn't be deep enough to cause bleeding.

• 7

  Lift the splinter from the wound with the tweezers. Be sure to wash your hands after the splinter is removed and treat the area with the iodine solution to prevent infections.