Sterilize the tweezers before using them. Wipe them with rubbing alcohol or vinegar, boil them in water for several minutes, or hold them over a flame for about a minute. Wash your hands before you try to remove your splinter.
Cut your skin in a parallel direction to that of the splinter. Don’t clip deeply enough to cause bleeding. A deeper wound will increase the risk of infection. [2] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source When using nail clippers or tweezers, use your dominant hand if you can (this won’t work if the splinter is in your dominant hand), so you have better dexterity and control.
Don’t try to completely dig the deep splinter out with the needle – you’ll cause more damage and risk breaking the splinter.
One of the more common brands is Ichthammol (black drawing salve), which is found over-the-counter at most pharmacies. Drawing salves are greasy and may smell unpleasant. In most cases, the salve will only bring the splinter to the skin’s surface – you’ll still need to pluck it out with tweezers.
You will need to use tweezers or nail clippers to remove the splinter from your skin’s surface.
If you don’t have alcohol wipes, use a clean cotton ball or Q-tip and dip it into some rubbing alcohol. These might sting when you apply them, but it only lasts a moment.
More serious signs that the infection is spreading around your body include fever, nausea, night sweats, body aches, headaches and delirium. Seek medical help right away.
If a deep splinter breaks or shatters beneath your skin, see your doctor to get the pieces removed.
If the doctor needs to cut the splinter out of your skin with a scalpel, they will use a topical anesthetic to numb the area first. Large wounds may need stitches to close after the splinter has been removed.
Your nail will likely grow back normally afterwards.
