A splinter lodged beneath the fingernail, known as a subungual splinter, causes significant pain due to pressure on the sensitive nail bed. This injury introduces a foreign body under the protective nail plate, creating a pathway for bacteria to enter the soft tissue. Safe and timely removal is necessary to relieve discomfort and minimize the risk of infection. Removing this kind of splinter requires a careful, hygienic approach to avoid pushing the object deeper or causing further trauma.
Essential Preparation Before Removal
Preparing the environment and tools is the first step for a safe removal process. Begin by washing your hands and the injured finger thoroughly using soap and warm running water for at least 30 seconds. This step significantly reduces surface bacteria that could be introduced into the wound.
All instruments that will touch the skin or the splinter must be sterilized to prevent infection. Sterilize fine-tipped tweezers and a thin, sharp object like a sewing needle or pin by wiping them down with rubbing alcohol. Alternatively, boil the tools in water for several minutes, then allow them to cool completely on a clean surface before use. Using a magnifying glass, if available, combined with a bright, focused light source, will provide the visual clarity needed to safely navigate the space beneath the nail plate.
Step-by-Step Removal Techniques
Removing an Exposed Splinter
If a small portion of the splinter is visible and extends beyond the edge of the nail, you can attempt to remove it directly. Grasp the exposed end firmly with the sterilized fine-tipped tweezers. Pull the splinter out gently and steadily in the exact direction it entered the nail. This helps prevent it from breaking off or fracturing during removal.
Removing a Submerged Splinter
When the splinter is completely submerged beneath the nail, a more delicate approach is required using a sterilized needle or pin. Gently scrape the top layers of the nail plate directly above the splinter to thin the nail and expose the splinter’s tip. Once the tip is barely visible, use the point of the needle to carefully lift or coax the end of the splinter out from under the nail. Always move the tool parallel to the nail bed, taking extreme caution not to puncture the skin underneath the nail plate.
Soaking the affected finger in warm water may help soften the surrounding tissue. This can sometimes encourage the splinter to move slightly outward, and is particularly helpful for wooden splinters that may swell slightly when exposed to moisture. However, if the splinter breaks off during removal, or if you encounter severe pain, stop the procedure immediately. Excessive manipulation can drive the foreign body deeper, making professional removal necessary.
Aftercare and When to Seek Professional Help
Once the splinter is fully removed, immediately clean the wound again with soap and warm water to flush out any remaining debris or bacteria. Apply a small amount of an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment to the area to help prevent bacterial growth. Cover the cleaned wound with a sterile bandage to shield the open skin from dirt and potential contamination while the tissue heals.
Monitor the area closely over the next several days for any signs that an infection may be developing. Seek professional medical attention if you are unable to remove the entire splinter, especially if a fragment breaks off deep beneath the nail. You should also consult a doctor if you observe signs of a spreading infection, including:
- Increasing redness, swelling, or localized warmth around the nail bed.
- The formation of pus.
- Sharp or throbbing pain that worsens over time.
- The development of a fever.