2007-02-06 15:46:27 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ First Aid
It depends on how big it is. I've let splinters sit and puss up at which they are easy to push out. However, I heard of someone who got a splinter and ended up with a flesh eating disease. I'd error perhaps on the safe side and get medical attention.
2007-02-06 19:45:34 · answer #1 · answered by lindakflowers 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
While the ultimate safe answer is to have a professional take care of it.
However, in general, splinters can usually be taken care of with minor first aid. If you can visualize "the stub" that the skin has not covered over is the easiest. Swab the area with some Povidone-iodine. While many people say to burn a needle/teezers to sterilize it, I prefer to also clean it with the Povidone-iodine solution. If the skin is broken just grab the end with a tweezers and pull it out in the opposite direction in entered the skin using the existing punture area as the exit path. If the epidermis has overgrown the wound or it is too deep to grab from the surface, you can pierce the skin slightly - just the surface a tad....like less than a millimeter - if you can then grab it with a tweezer, you are ok. If it is too deep, then some more minor procedure by a professional is best.
If you are able to remove the splinter, irrigate the now open wound, preferrably with sterile water and then wash it (soap and water is probably ok). Studies have shown saline, other anticeptics are really not all that more effective in cleaning the wound however they are acceptable. The only thing I would shy away from is using IPA on the now open wound...it is ok to disinfect the surface prior to your minor surgery, but into an open wound I dont like.
Bandage the wound and change the dressing q 12 hours.
If any redness appears after 2-3 days, you likely have a piece of the foreign object still in the wound and then a professional would likely need to be seen.
2007-02-07 00:08:33 · answer #2 · answered by Ron I 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If it is too large I would take him to the Dr. If that is not an option, then I would soak it in very warm water for a few min. Then pull it out. if it is burrie under the skin then you will have to sterilize a needle and try to dig it out.
If it is not removed it will get infected, which I found works the best. They usually are forced out with the pressure. If it is too big and lodged to deep your only option may be a visit to the Dr. like it or not.
2007-02-08 01:59:42 · answer #3 · answered by sandra_k19 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Deep ones cause infections can cause swelling and puss.
For minor ones, I remove splinters by a very thin needle.
2007-02-07 00:01:54 · answer #4 · answered by Cspeedy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
depending on the size . a warm bath in epsomsalts could help soften it . nail clippers if you dont cut it shorter . small pliers .
i once heard of a pice of bacon put in a shoe .the grease loosened the splinter .and came out on its own . thats not a leg !
2007-02-07 00:02:04 · answer #5 · answered by martinmm 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you EVER get a deep puncture wound, do not take it out yourself. You could cause excessive bleeding, resulting in death. Have a doctor take it out for you to insure proper safety.
2007-02-07 01:14:35 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
If its very deep you can injure more tissue by trying to take it out yourself. You should take him to an emergency room to have it properly taken care of.
2007-02-06 23:51:37 · answer #7 · answered by Haven17 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋