How to Remove a Splinter and Care for the Wound

Creator: Doctronic
Published: 2023-09-17

Medically reviewed by Alan Lucks | MD, Alan Lucks MDPC Private Practice - New York on September 17th, 2023.

Key Takeaways

Sterilize tweezers or needles with rubbing alcohol for 30 seconds before extraction, and clean the affected area with soap and warm water to reduce bacterial contamination by up to 99%.
Tiny, painless fragments often migrate to the surface naturally within 7-14 days as skin cells regenerate, eliminating the need for immediate intervention.
After removal, apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment and change bandages daily for 3-5 days to maintain optimal healing conditions and prevent secondary bacterial infection.
Seek professional care for fragments deeper than 5mm, those embedded under nails, or pieces larger than a pencil eraser—these carry higher risks of incomplete removal and tissue damage.
Watch for infection warning signs within 24-48 hours: increasing redness beyond 1cm from the wound site, pus formation, red streaking up the limb, or fever above 100.4°F.

Getting a splinter can be painful and annoying, but in most cases, you can safely remove it at home. This guide will walk you through the process of removing a splinter and caring for the wound to prevent infection.

Step 1: Clean the Wound

Before attempting to remove the splinter, clean the area around it with mild soap and water. This helps prevent infection and makes the removal process easier.

Step 2: Assess the Splinter

Tiny Splinters

If the splinter is tiny and doesn't hurt, you can let it work its way out naturally over a few days. If it does hurt, try the following:

Gently touch the area with sticky tape and carefully pull away
If the tape method doesn't work, try using hair removal wax

Larger Splinters

For larger splinters that are sticking out of the skin, you'll need a small needle and tweezers:

Clean the needle and tweezers with alcohol
If you can see the end of the splinter, grip it with the tweezers and gently pull it out
If no part of the splinter is sticking out, use the needle to gently open the skin and expose enough of the splinter to remove with tweezers
Use stronger lighting and a magnifying glass if needed for better visibility

How to Remove a Splinter and Care for the Wound

Step 3: Clean and Bandage the Wound

After removing the splinter, clean the wound area again with mild soap and water. Apply an antibiotic ointment and cover the wound with a bandage to protect it while it heals.

When to Seek Medical Help

While most splinters can be removed at home, there are some cases where you should see a healthcare provider:

You can't remove the entire splinter
The splinter is deep in the skin or the wound is bleeding heavily
The splinter is under a fingernail or toenail (the provider may need to cut a notch in the nail to remove it)

Follow-Up Care

After removing a splinter, ask your healthcare provider if you need a tetanus booster. Watch for signs of infection, such as redness, increasing pain, swelling, or pus at the wound site. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider for further guidance.

By following these steps and knowing when to seek medical help, you can safely remove a splinter and care for the wound at home. Remember, if you're ever unsure or the splinter seems too difficult to remove, don't hesitate to consult a healthcare professional.

For more information on splinter removal and wound care, visit:

The Bottom Line

Most shallow fragments can be safely extracted at home with proper sterilization techniques, but deep or large pieces require professional removal to prevent complications. Monitor the wound closely for 48 hours and seek immediate care if signs of infection develop. If you're unsure about removal techniques or notice concerning symptoms, Doctronic can provide personalized guidance for your specific situation.