A splinter lodged under a nail can be a source of considerable discomfort and frustration. While this common injury can be quite painful, it is often something that can be addressed effectively at home. Understanding the proper steps for removal and subsequent care can alleviate distress and help prevent complications.
Getting Ready for Removal
Before attempting to remove a splinter, preparation is important to minimize the risk of infection. Begin by washing your hands and the affected finger with soap and warm water, cleansing the area around the splinter. This helps reduce the presence of bacteria and makes the splinter more visible. Next, gather your tools, which include fine-tipped tweezers, a sewing needle, and a magnifying glass.
All tools that will come into contact with the skin should be sterilized to prevent infection. This can be done by wiping them with rubbing alcohol or boiling them in water. After sterilization, allow the tools to cool completely before use. Good lighting is also helpful, and a magnifying glass, or tweezers with an integrated magnifier, can improve your ability to see and manipulate the tiny foreign object.
Methods for Splinter Removal
Removing a splinter from under a nail requires patience and precision, with the approach depending on the splinter’s depth and visibility. If a portion of the splinter is visible and protruding from under the nail, sterile fine-tipped tweezers can be used to grasp it. Pull the splinter out slowly and gently, following the angle it entered to avoid breaking it or pushing it deeper.
For splinters that are partially or fully embedded, a sterilized sewing needle can expose the end. Carefully push the needle under the nail, toward the end of the splinter, and use it to pry or lift a portion of the splinter for tweezers. If the splinter is just beneath the surface, the needle can also be used to gently scratch or pick open the skin directly over the splinter’s entry point. Avoid squeezing the affected area, as this can cause the splinter to break or drive it further into the tissue.
Soaking the affected finger can help, especially with deeper or less visible splinters. Immersing the finger in warm water, potentially mixed with baking soda or Epsom salts, can soften the skin and encourage the splinter to rise closer to the surface. This method may require soaking for 10 minutes or more, sometimes over several days. Another option for softening the skin and drawing out deeply embedded splinters is applying ichthammol ointment, which can be covered with a bandage and left for 24 hours.
Care After Removal
Once the splinter has been successfully removed, aftercare is important to prevent infection and promote healing. Begin by washing the affected area again with soap and warm water to cleanse the wound. This helps remove any remaining debris or bacteria.
After cleaning, apply an antiseptic solution or antibiotic ointment to the wound. This provides a protective barrier and supports the healing process. Finally, cover the area with a sterile bandage to keep it clean and protected. Continue to monitor the site for any signs of infection in the days following removal.
When Professional Help is Needed
Seek professional medical attention when home removal is not recommended. This is necessary if the splinter is very deep, large, or impossible to grasp, including splinters lodged too far under the nail to reach.
Medical attention is also advised if the splinter is composed of hazardous materials like glass, metal, or certain plastics, as these may require specialized removal. Any signs of infection, including increased pain, persistent redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or red streaks extending from the wound, warrant immediate consultation with a doctor. If there is excessive bleeding that does not stop, or if the individual has an underlying medical condition like diabetes or a compromised immune system, professional care is important. For young children or infants, or if multiple attempts at home removal have been unsuccessful, consult a healthcare professional.