Health Library

Splinters

First Aid for Splinters

• Calm your child and let them know that you can help.
• Wash your hands.
• Wash the area with soap and water. If the splinter is wood, be careful not to soak the area in water or the splinter may expand, making removal more difficult.
• Clean and sterilize a needle or tweezers before using. First, clean it well with soap and water to remove any debris. Then wipe it with rubbing alcohol or heat it over a flame. Dry and cool the needle or tweezers before using.
• If part of the splinter is sticking out of the skin, gently try to pull the splinter out using the sterilized tweezers. Carefully pull in same direction that the splinter entered the skin.
• If the splinter is close to the surface but underneath the skin, gently prick the skin over the splinter with the sterilized needle and try to pull it out using the sterilized tweezers. You may ice the skin prior to pricking it to help decrease pain.
• After removal of the splinter, rewash the area well with soap and water. To further reduce the risk of infection, you may apply antibiotic ointment and a Band-Aid.

When to Call the Doctor

• If the splinter is deeply imbedded or you are unable to remove it after several tries, call your child's doctor.
• Check the area for signs of infection, such as increased warmth, swelling, redness, drainage or pain. If you notice any signs of infection, call your child's doctor.

Note

Some splinters may be left alone without any care needed. Splinters that are superficial, tiny and pain-free will eventually be shed naturally with the normal skin shedding process.