How to Remove a Wood Splinter Embedded in the Skin?

Update Date: 2024-06-28 Source: Network

When a wooden splinter penetrates the flesh, it needs to be removed promptly. If the splinter is not removed, it may lead to infection around the wound and even cause induration of the wound. Moreover, after removing the splinter, it is necessary to remove the blood clots from the wound for cleaning and disinfection. If the depth and area of the wound are relatively large, it is necessary to go to the hospital for tetanus injection.

1. Extracting the splinter

After accidentally being pricked by a wooden splinter, the foreign object should be removed as soon as possible, as the residual splinter may cause the wound to become suppurated. You can firmly grasp the splinter with your fingers and slowly remove it, even if it hurts. If the splinter is deeply embedded and cannot be removed, use a sterilized tweezers, which has been burned or disinfected with alcohol, to try to remove the splinter completely. If the exposed part of the splinter is too short to be clamped by the tweezers, you can use a sterilized needle to prick the skin around the wound, appropriately enlarge the wound, expose the splinter as much as possible, and then use the tweezers to gently pull the splinter out.

2. Removing blood clots from the wound

If the splinter has indeed been completely removed, gently squeeze the wound to remove the blood clots inside, reducing the chance of wound infection.

3. Washing and disinfecting

Carefully rinse the wound and its surroundings with running water to remove residual blood clots and contaminants. Then disinfect the surrounding area of the wound with iodine, apply alcohol twice, and wrap it with sterile gauze.

4. Tetanus injection

Even if a deeply embedded splinter has been removed, it is necessary to go to the hospital for tetanus antitoxin injection to prevent unexpected complications. This is because the stabbed wound is often deep and narrow, conducive to the invasion, multiplication, and infection of tetanus bacteria.

5. Other treatments

If the wound is red and swollen, you can use ice cubes or iced water to reduce inflammation and swelling. If the wound is deep, antibiotics can be taken under the guidance of a doctor to prevent inflammation.