A splinter is a foreign body that may be partially / wholly embedded in the skin. Splinters are usually wood, glass, metal, or plastic.
Splinters can be removed at home, but if they are deeply embedded / lodged in a nail, you may need to seek medical help.
If splinters are not removed or they can not work their way out, they may result in an infection or allergic reaction.
How to Remove a Foot Splinter
- You will need a pair of tweezers to pull out the splinter. Also, you will need soap and water to clean the area well, in order to prevent infection.
- When the splinter is embedded deep inside, you will need a needle and also an anti septic, such as betadine. Use the needle gently to partially dislodge the splinter, which can be then extracted using the tweezers.
- In case, it is just not possible to get the splinter out, soak the area in warm water and baking soda, 3 times, daily.The splinter will work its way out in 2 to 3 days.
- In case, all the above measures fail to get the splinters out, you need to see your doctor.
Foot Splinter Removal
- You will need a pair of tweezers and alcohol. Use rubbing alcohol to clean the tweezers. Also, apply some rubbing alcohol on the foot, around the splinter. Do not apply directly on to the splinter, as this could push the splinter further inside.
- Thereafter, hold the tweezers firmly and pull the splinter out. If it is slightly deep inside, you may need someone to apply pressure so that the splinter protrudes out. After the splinter has been removed, clean the area well with alcohol.
- You may need to use a sterilized needle to scrape off some skin covering the splinter, in case it has got embedded. If you can not reach the splinter, leave it alone.
Foot Splinter Symptoms
You feel pain and discomfort and a sensation that something is embedded in the skin. There may also be some bleeding. You may also see and feel the splinter or a tip of it. Occasionally, the splinter may not be seen at all, and you realize that a foreign body has invaded only after an infection develops. Then, the area becomes swollen, inflamed, red, warm, and tender.
Treatment for Foot Splinter
- By and large, most splinters can be removed easily at home. The technique is easy to follow and causes no complications.
- Nonetheless, deep splinters require the physician to make an incision to get rid of the splinter. The doctor will numb the area first, then clean the area well, and then extract the splinter.
- If the splinter is underneath a nail, the doctor may have to remove a segment of the nail to get rid of the entire splinter.
- In case, signs of infection and inflammation are present, the doctor will administer anti biotics.
- You may also be required to take a tetanus shot.