An object lodged beneath the fingernail, such as a wood splinter, glass shard, or dirt, can cause significant discomfort and risk infection. The space under the nail plate is a common entry point for foreign materials, leading to inflammation and pain. Immediate and careful removal is important to prevent complications, as the area is a natural breeding ground for bacteria. Successful removal depends on the object’s depth and the type of material involved.
Essential Preparation and Sanitation
Meticulous sanitation is the first step in any at-home removal process to prevent introducing bacteria. Begin by thoroughly washing both hands and the affected finger using soap and lukewarm water for a minimum of 20 seconds. After washing, gather necessary supplies, including a clean towel, good lighting, and sterilization materials.
Any tool that will touch the affected area, such as tweezers or a sewing needle, must be sterilized before use. Sterilize metal tools by wiping them down with rubbing alcohol or boiling them in water for a few minutes. This minimizes the chance of infection. Never attempt removal without adequate lighting, as clear visibility is necessary for precision and safety.
Techniques for Cleaning Loose Debris
For material that is not embedded but simply trapped under the nail edge, such as dirt, sand, or lint, the goal is to gently flush it out. Soaking the affected finger in warm, soapy water for several minutes helps soften the nail and loosen the debris. This allows the water to penetrate the space and dislodge superficial particles.
Following the soak, use a soft nail brush or a clean washcloth to gently sweep under the nail from the fingertip side. A dental floss strand can also be carefully threaded beneath the nail and used in a back-and-forth motion to sweep out debris. Work slowly and avoid using sharp objects or excessive force, which could separate the nail plate from the nail bed. A blunt tool like an orange stick is a safer alternative to metal objects for scraping.
Removing Embedded Foreign Objects
When dealing with an embedded foreign object, such as a splinter that has pierced the skin, precise intervention is required. If a small part of the splinter is visible, use sterilized, pointed tweezers to gently grasp the exposed end. Pull the object out slowly and steadily in the direction it entered to avoid breaking it into smaller fragments. Avoid pinching or squeezing the area, which can push the object further inward.
If the object is completely under the nail, a sterilized needle can gently tease the material to the surface. Use the needle tip to gently lift the skin or the edge of the splinter, angling it upward toward the distal end of the nail, never downward into the nail bed. Once the tip is exposed, use the sterilized tweezers to complete the removal. After removal, clean the area again with soap and water, apply a mild antiseptic ointment, and cover the wound with a small bandage if bleeding occurs.
Signs That Require Professional Care
While many minor foreign objects can be removed at home, certain signs indicate the need for medical attention. If the object is deeply embedded (e.g., a large shard of glass or metal) or located far back near the cuticle, a professional should handle the removal. Attempting to remove a deeply lodged item can cause significant damage to the sensitive nail bed tissue.
Seek care if the wound is bleeding heavily or if you cannot remove the object after two or three gentle attempts. Signs of infection that develop within 24 to 48 hours warrant a medical evaluation. These signs include increasing pain, swelling, warmth, or redness around the nail. The presence of pus, throbbing pain, or red streaks extending away from the injury site indicate the wound requires professional cleaning, and possibly antibiotics or a tetanus booster.