How To Remove A Splinter

Step 1: You will need

Step 2: Clean Around The Splinter

Clean around the area of the splinter with a gauze pad dipped in warm, soapy water.

Step 3: Sterilise The Tweezers

Now sterilise the tweezers by holding them in a gas flame for a few seconds and allow to cool.

Step 4: Pull Out The Splinter

Pull out the splinter, then using the tweezers, clasp the splinter as close to the skin as possible and gently pull it out at the angle it went in.

Step 5: Encourage Bleeding

Next, gently squeeze the skin on either side of the wound to encourage a little bleeding. This should help to get rid of any dirt in the wound.

Step 6: Clean Area And Apply Plaster

Finally, clean the area with a gauze pad dipped in cooled boiled water and pat dry using a clean gauze pad.

Apply a plaster to reduce the risk of infection, but first check that you are not allergic to the type of plaster you are using.

Step 7: Seek Medical Advice

If the splinter is difficult to remove or breaks during removal attempt, do not try to take it out with a sharp object or needle as this increases the risk of infection. If possible apply padding around the splinter so that you can bandage over it without pressing down and seek medical advice.

Watch the VideoJug Film 'How To Help With A Foreign Object In A Cut' for the full technique.