Sometimes it is possible to remove a splinter using baking soda and a band-aid. You have to clean and dry the affected area and then apply baking soda. Cover it with a band-aid and remove it after a few hours. The splinter should come out. Be sure to use an antibiotic ointment to prevent any infections and see your doctor if the wound becomes infected.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Clean and Observe the Area
Step 1. Do not press where the splinter has penetrated
When cleaning or examining the surrounding area, you may be tempted to squeeze the skin around it to see better. However, in doing so you risk shattering the foreign body further or pushing it deeper. So, never press the splinter or surrounding skin in an attempt to remove it.
Step 2. Examine the area
If necessary, use a magnifying glass. See how big the splinter is and the slope it occupies in the skin. This way, you will avoid having to push it even deeper when you apply the paste you will need to prepare and then the patch. Make sure you don't press the foreign body in the direction it is tilted.
Step 3. Clean and dry the area
When a splinter gets into your skin, you need to avoid getting an infection. Before trying to remove it, clean the surrounding area where it has penetrated. Wash it with hand soap and gently pat the affected area with a paper towel to dry it.
Wash your hands before cleaning the skin surrounding the splinter
Part 2 of 3: Remove the Splinter
Step 1. Make a paste with baking soda and water
Grab a cup or other small container and pour in a generous amount of baking soda. After that, add the water in small doses and mix until you get a consistent paste. There is no precise relationship between bicarbonate and water. You need to add them until you create a spreadable paste.
Step 2. Apply the paste to the splinter
Use your fingers or a paper towel to gently smear it on the affected area. Add a light layer of paste on the spot where the foreign body is and on the surrounding skin.
While doing this, be careful not to push the fragment deep. Be aware of the slope it entered the skin and proceed gently when applying the baking soda paste to the wound
Step 3. Cover with a band-aid
Put a patch on top of the paste. Make sure you completely cover the splinter with the gauze portion. It doesn't matter which type of patch you choose, what matters is to protect the whole area.
Step 4. Remove the patch after a few hours
Wait an hour or a full day before removing it. Typically, more time is required if the splinter has lodged deeply. When it's time to take it out, the foreign body should come out easily.
- If the splinter does not come out on its own by pulling on the patch, try gently squeezing it with tweezers (sterilize them before using them).
- If it doesn't come out on the first try, repeat the process and leave the patch on longer.
- Rinse the area with soap and water and apply antibiotic ointment once the splinter comes out.
- Once the splinter is removed, you can also cover the area with a band-aid to help the healing process.
Part 3 of 3: Safety Precautions
Step 1. Apply antibiotic ointment
After removing the splinter, it is always a good idea to use an antibiotic ointment, as it helps prevent any infections. You can buy it at the pharmacy. Apply it following the directions.
- For example, you could use Neosporin to cover the wound.
- If you are undergoing drug therapy, consult your pharmacist before choosing the ointment. You need to make sure it doesn't interfere with any medications you are taking.
Step 2. Check for blood
Sometimes, a wound can bleed once a foreign body is removed. Press firmly on the area where the splinter was introduced. This way, you will bring the lips of the wound together and stop the blood from leaking. Also consider applying a patch.
Step 3. Seek medical assistance if needed
If the splinter does not come out and results in severe blood loss, you may want to see your doctor. Your surgery may even be necessary if the foreign body is under the nail of a hand or foot. If you are not up to date with your vaccinations, do not hesitate to consult your doctor to find out if you need to have a tetanus injection to prevent any infection.
