Splinters are very common, and we can get them all of a sudden while we are in the midst of doing something important. They are characterized by a sharp, and shooting pain that can be very annoying sometimes. At the same time, it is not that traumatic, and in most cases, there is no danger involved. There are a number of efficient methods by which you can manage them at your home. If you are unaware of these methods, then you might wonder how to get splinter out easily at home. In some rare cases, these splinters can get infected. This mostly occurs if it is not removed in a timely manner. During such instances, you must seek medical attention at the earliest. Otherwise, the infection might become aggravated. In mild cases, removing the splinter is indeed very easy, and you will be able to accomplish it with the help of some tools. Always make sure that you are maintaining necessary precautions while removing the splinter. This will help in preventing different sorts of infections. So, let’s go through the different methods that can be used for removing a splinter easily.
How To Get Splinter Out Using Toenail Clippers?
- Toenail clippers can be regarded as a very efficient option when it comes to getting splinters out from your skin. This is easily available in every household, and hence, can be used for removing the splinter instantly.
- It must be noted that this method is applicable in the case of thicker wooden splinters only. If the splinter is thin, then this method will not be that effective. You will also be able to remove materials, such as metal from your skin using the nail clippers.
- If the splinter has gone too deep inside the skin, then you will not be able to remove it conveniently using this method. In other words, a section of the splinter must protrude from the skin. This will help you to grab hold of the splinter, and thereafter, yank it out.
- If the splinter isn’t too deeply embedded, then you can make a small cut in the skin along the length of the embedded splinter. This cut can be made by using the sharp edges of the nail clipper. Once you get access to the splinter, you can pull it out gently.
- It must be noted that, you should make a cut in the skin only if you are sure that you will be able to take the splinter out. If you feel that the splinter has gone too deep into the skin, then you should not proceed with this method.
- Make sure you are cutting the skin just enough to access the splinter. You must be extremely careful while doing this, and you should not cause your skin to bleed.
Use Hydrogen Peroxide To Get Splinter Out
- If you are wondering how to get splinter out using methods that are less violent, then this can be considered as the best option for you.
- The hydrogen peroxide is a chemical compound which will assist in the removal of the splinter quite easily without putting you through much trouble.
- All you have to do is to pour the hydrogen peroxide over the area where the splinter is present. As you begin pouring the compound, it will start to bubble.
- The bubbling takes place because of the reaction between the compound, and the enzyme catalase. This enzyme is released by the body after any kind of skin damage takes place.
- This reaction can help in the removal of the splinter quite easily. The bubbling reaction gets under the splinter, and thereafter, pushes it onto the surface.
- In most cases, you will be able to remove the splinter quite easily using hydrogen peroxide alone. The pressure generated by the bubbles will lift out the splinter. But, in some cases, you might also have to take the help of some other tools to remove the splinter completely.
- This method is quite safe and you do not have to worry about any unwanted side effects. If you experience any sort of skin irritations after using this method, then you should wash off the chemical instantly. If the irritation persists, then you must get yourself checked by a doctor immediately.
How To Get Splinter Out Using a Needle?
- If you want to remove splinters that are a little deeper, then you can use the needle method.
- All you have to do is to use a small needle to pry one part of the splinter up. Then you have to take out the splinter slowly, and steadily past the surface of the skin.
- Before using this method, you must sterilize the needle properly. You should not use the needle without sterilizing it. Such activities can lead to severe infections.
- You have to take the sterilized needle, and then, gently poke a small hole in the skin. This hole must be made directly over the end of the splinter which is closest to the surface of the skin.
- Thereafter, you have to use the needle to gently pry the splinter up and out. Once you are able to bring enough of the splinter outside, then you can use tweezers, or your fingernails to remove the rest of the splinter from your skin.
Conclusion
We have discussed how to get splinter out easily at home. There might be instances, where a very tiny splinter might be slightly sticking out of the skin. During such instances, tweezers will not be enough to get a proper grip. In such cases, you can try using a tape to remove the splinter. You should take a small piece of tape, and then gently press it onto the splinter. You should preferably use a duct tape because it will have a little more stickiness, when compared to the normal scotch tape. Then you have to wait for a few minutes to allow the adhesive to do its work. Thereafter, you can gradually pull it off, and in the majority of the cases, the tape will bring the splinter with it.