Splinter Removal from Finger
Remove the splinter immediately using fine-tipped tweezers or forceps, grasping it as close to the skin as possible and pulling back with steady, constant pressure. 1, 2
Immediate Removal Technique
- Grasp the splinter close to the skin surface with tweezers or fine-tipped forceps and pull back with constant, steady pressure 1, 2
- If the splinter is horizontal and superficial, expose it completely by incising the skin over its entire length along the long axis, then lift it out with forceps 3
- For subungual splinters (under the nail), cut out a V-shaped piece of nail with the point at the proximal tip of the splinter, then grasp and remove it carefully to avoid pushing it deeper 3
- Never use bare fingers to remove ticks or splinters when possible, as this may introduce infection 1
What NOT to Do
- Never apply gasoline, kerosene, petroleum jelly, fingernail polish, or lit matches to remove splinters 1
- Do not use unsterilized instruments, which could introduce infection 2
- Avoid crushing or breaking the splinter during removal 1
Immediate Post-Removal Care
- Clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water immediately after removal 1, 2
- Irrigate the wound site with clean running water 2
- Cover the wound with a clean dressing to prevent further contamination 1, 2
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after the procedure, especially before touching your face or eyes 1
Monitoring for Complications
Watch for signs of infection including:
When to Seek Professional Help
- Deeper splinters near important structures (nerves, tendons, blood vessels) should be referred for professional removal 3
- Large wooden splinters that cannot be completely visualized or removed 3
- Elusive splinters that may require imaging (ultrasound) for localization 3, 4
- Reactive materials like wood, thorns, or vegetative matter should ideally be removed before inflammation or infection develops 3