How to Get a Thorn Out of Your Toe

Many gardeners make the painful mistake of not wearing proper protective material while they work. If you have ever had a thorn or deep splinter in your foot, you know how painful it can be and how difficult it can be to remove. There are several options available to help you get the thorn out of your toe. Always be extra careful not to introduce dirt into the wound. Remove the thorn and start your healing process as soon as possible.

Things You'll Need

• Tweezers
• Gauze
• Bandage
• Antiseptic
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Duct tape
• Pantyhose
• Baking soda
• Honey
• Toothpaste
• Bacon fat

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Pinch the skin and try to remove the thorn with your fingertips or with tweezers. Before you begin, make sure that your hands are clean and that you have cleaned the surface of the tweezers. Thoroughly clean the area around the thorn with an antiseptic. Be aware that you may bleed a small amount so have a bandage ready.

• 2

  Apply hydrogen peroxide to the skin around the thorn. Cover with gauze and wait five minutes. This oxidizing liquid has a bubbling effect on your skin's surface and inner tissue which may loosen the thorn so that you can easily lift and pull it out of your toe.

• 3

  Yank the thorn off by using material to pull it out. For example, place a piece of duct tape over the toe and wait for 30 minutes. Quickly rip the tape off in the direction opposite to the thorn. Another good material to use is a pair of pantyhose. Place the hose over the thorn and quickly pull, trying to snag the thorn.

• 4

  Try several home remedies for a stubborn thorn. These are meant to be used overnight when you have tried and cannot get the thorn out quickly. Place a thick paste of baking soda and water, baking soda toothpaste, honey or bacon fat under gauze and a bandage in hopes of drawing the thorn to the skin's surface by the following morning.

• 5

  Seek medical help. The thorn will likely come out in three to five days on its own. If it becomes too painful, shows signs of infection or does not come out in a timely manner, you will have to seek medical attention. Go to your family physician for removal of the thorn from your toe.