How to Extract a Splinter

It's amazing how much a tiny sliver of wood, glass or fiberglass can hurt when it lodges in your skin. Remove a splinter promptly to reduce discomfort and the chance of infection.

Things You'll Need

• Soap
• Fine-tip Tweezers
• Needle, manicure scissors or nail clippers

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash your hands and the splinter area with soap and water.

• 2

  Sterilize a pair of fine-tip tweezers by boiling them in water for 5 minutes, or by holding them over a flame until they are red-hot. Let cool.

• 3

  Gently pinch the area around the splinter to make it poke up.

• 4

  If the splinter is under the skin, use a sterilized needle, manicure scissors or nail clippers to cut a tiny opening in the skin.

• 5

  Grasp the tip of the splinter with the tweezers. Slowly pull it out.

• 6

  Squeeze the area to encourage blood, which helps to wash out any germs.

• 7

  Wash the area with soap and water.

• 8

  If you develop redness, inflammation, a fever or nausea, visit your doctor. A remnant of the splinter may be causing infection.