Very small splinter

[Michie]

I have a very small splinter in my hand. I cannot see it, but I can feel it. It is really bothering me. Tried tweezers, no luck. Suggestions?

 

[hiwaygal]

Have you tried tape? I would try regular scotch tape first, then if that doesn't work try something "stickier" (maybe duct tape?). It sounds ridiculous, I know, but I've heard it works like a charm!

 

[SherryNC]

Removing Splinters

Parents often ask me pointed questions when it comes to removing a splinter from their child’s fingers. I often hear that the child will not sit still, that it seems like it takes an entire football team to hold the child down in order to remove the tiny sliver of wood. If your child needs a splinter removed, here are a few hints to make the process less painful:

Have your supplies ready before you start. This includes a good light and a sterilized needle or tweezers. The easiest way to sterilize a needle is to hold it in a flame for a few seconds (remembering to let it cool before using it.)

If it's a deep splinter, soak the affected body part in warm soapy water for 15-30 minutes three times a day for a few days. This will help make the splinter easier to remove. You can also numb the area with some ice first. And remember to wash your hands as well.

Ask your child to look the other way. Having another person, such as a sibling, help distract your child will also help while you prod gently with the needle to pull out the splinter. A magnet may help if the splinter is metal.

To retrieve any residual pieces of wood, cover a cotton swab or piece of gauze with household glue and place in on the skin. Let the glue dry, and then remove the gauze. The splinter should come out.

If you can’t get it out, it may be best to leave it alone. A metal or glass sliver may do more damage as it's removed forcefully than if it is simply allowed to work itself out on its own. Make sure to bring cases like these to the attention of your pediatrician.

You should also consult a doctor if the skin turns red or becomes painful, especially if your child is not up to date for tetanus immunization.
Hopefully, these tips will remove any sliver of doubt you may have when it comes to easily removing your child's splinter.

 

[DebºoºS]

Very good suggestions. I would only add what ped told me years ago. Neosporene ointment, then a bandaid over it. It's drawn out and ointment prevents infection.
Of course you could always do dishes until your fingers prune up enough to wash it out

 

[Michie]

Removing Splinters

Parents often ask me pointed questions when it comes to removing a splinter from their child’s fingers. .

I had no idea you were a doctor Sherry I am so proud

Have duct tape over it. Will remove it in a jiffy..

 

[SherryNC]

I had no idea you were a doctor Sherry I am so proud

Have duct tape over it. Will remove it in a jiffy..

 

[hiwaygal]

:
Have duct tape over it. Will remove it in a jiffy..

OMG!! I hope this works...

 

[mtblujeans]

Well.....what's the verdict??

 

[SherryNC]

Well.....what's the verdict??

Yeah, you wood think she would keep us posted.

 

[mtblujeans]

Yeah, you wood think she would keep us posted.

Yes, I wood hope she wood keep us updated.

 

[cynsaun]

I had no idea you were a doctor Sherry I am so proud

Have duct tape over it. Will remove it in a jiffy..

She's not a doctor, she just stayed at a Holiday Inn Express.

 

[Michie]

Here now, some of us are trying to work.

It did work! And duct tape makes a surprisingly good exfoliator.

 

[hiwaygal]

Whew!!!

 

[rkrivas]

I'm going to try the duct tip or the glue tip the next time one of my kids has a splinter.

Whenever my kids get splinters, I wait for the police to show up because of the bloodcurdling screams that emanate from my house during the removal process! You would think that we're amputating limbs with butter knives! When my kids are grown and have neurotic fears of tweezers, I will lovingly remember these days.

 

[mtblujeans]

WOW! I hope it did not hurt much.

 

[mtblujeans]

I'm going to try the duct tip or the glue tip the next time one of my kids has a splinter.

Whenever my kids get splinters, I wait for the police to show up because of the bloodcurdling screams that emanate from my house during the removal process! You would think that we're amputating limbs with butter knives! When my kids are grown and have neurotic fears of tweezers, I will lovingly remember these days.

That, and pulling the tooth that is dangling by a thread!

 

[cynsaun]

WOW! I hope it did not hurt much.

What the heck is that smilie doing?!?!?