Glass fibers are now present everywhere. Glass wool is used for thermal and acoustic insulation, and is found in almost all elements, such as planes, boats, tents, building materials and some plastics. The stiff and very fine threads found in glass fibers consist mainly of glass mixed with other materials, such as wool. These threads can be very irritating, if they enter the subcutaneous layer. If you plan to do some work using this material, you also need to know how to remove its annoying splinters from the skin.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Masking tape
Step 1. Get good lighting and a magnifying glass
It is important that there is good lighting and visibility if you want to have a better chance of successfully removing splinters. The fine fibers of this material are usually white or yellowish and can be difficult to notice when embedded in the skin.
Step 2. Get a roll of strong, adhesive tape with good adhesive power
It has to be strong, like the one for electric use, that it doesn't break into a thousand pieces when you pull it. It must also have strong adhesive power to collect glass fiber splinters.
Step 3. Do not wash the affected area
This method is most effective if the tape can firmly adhere to the fragments. The water could soften the fibers and make the extraction process more difficult.
Step 4. Press the tape firmly and firmly on the area (s) where the splinters have entered
Hold the tape in place for a few minutes with one hand, making sure it adheres well to the skin and debris.
Step 5. Remove the tape in one continuous motion if you can
If you tear it abruptly or jerky, you may also peel off some of the skin or cause you to blister. In this way, moreover, you would risk making the extraction of the fragments even more difficult. Grab the tape as close to the skin as possible and peel it off. It may take multiple tries.
- Remember that the duct tape you are using is not meant to be skin-friendly. Therefore you must try to be especially cautious when taking it off.
- Check the affected area under light or a magnifying glass to make sure the glass fiber splinters have been completely removed. Rub the area of skin with a clean hand to try to feel any sharp residue or a painful sensation. Both are indicators of the presence of glass fibers.
Step 6. Once all debris is completely removed, wash with soap and water
Pat dry and finally apply an antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin to prevent possible infections.
Germs and bacteria are normally present on the outer layer of the skin. However, the small scratches from the splinters could allow them to get under the skin layer and cause an infection
Part 2 of 3: Detach the Fragments Individually
Step 1. Wash your hands with soap and water
Bacteria and germs are always lurking on the skin and can cause infections if they penetrate the inner layer of the skin through the tiny scratches caused by the glass fiber fragments.
If the splinters are on your hands, skip this step, as you need to avoid pushing them even deeper
Step 2. Gently clean the area to be treated with soap and water
Glass fiber splinters tend to break easily and you need to prevent them from breaking under the skin or being pushed deeper. Clean the area with a stream of soapy water, but do not rub or scratch the skin, as this may make it more difficult to remove.
- Pour some water into a container, rub the soap into both wet hands, and then submerge them in the water. Repeat until the water becomes soapy. If the splinters are on your hands, you need to find someone to do this for you.
- The same germs on your hands are also found around the glass fiber splinters, and when you try to move them, there is a risk that bacteria can penetrate the inner layer of the skin.
Step 3. Disinfect the tweezers and a sharp needle with alcohol
Consider using fine-tipped tweezers to try and grab the fibers more easily. The bacteria are present on any object of common use and the alcohol kills them avoiding a possible subcutaneous infection during the extraction operation.
Denatured or ethyl alcohol kills germs by dissolving their protective membrane; at that point they open and die
Step 4. Find a well-lit place and get a magnifying glass
It is important that there is good lighting and visibility if you want to have a better chance of success. The fine fibers of this material are usually white or yellowish and can be difficult to notice when embedded in the skin.
Step 5. Gently remove splinters with tweezers
Focus on the tips of the fragments, grab them with the tool and slowly pull them out. Try not to push them even deeper. Use a needle if this occurs or if they are completely under the skin.
- Use an alcohol-sterilized sewing needle to gently pry the skin up or break it just enough to extract the fragment inside. At this point you can use tweezers to remove it.
- Don't be disheartened if it takes several tries. Splinters can be very small indeed; if you don't get satisfactory results with this method, try sturdy tape.
Step 6. Squeeze the skin once all splinters are removed
In case a little blood comes out, know that it could be useful to get rid of any germs. This, in fact, is another valid method for removing bacteria from the subcutaneous layer.
Step 7. Wash the affected area once more with soap and water and pat dry
Apply an antibiotic ointment like Neosporin. Do not cover the area with a bandage or bandage.
Part 3 of 3: Check the Area
Step 1. Check the skin for signs of redness after the glass fiber fragments have been extracted
Over time, try to figure out if it's an infection or irritation, because the treatments are different.
- Glass fiber splinters can cause inflammation and you may experience redness in the area, accompanied by intense itching and small, superficial wounds. Only time can heal these micro-injuries, as long as you avoid working with this material again. You can apply a cortisone cream or a soothing substance such as petroleum jelly to the affected skin to reduce the sensation of irritation.
- If, in addition to redness, you notice that the skin becomes warm and / or drains of pus, it means that there is an infection. In this case, contact your doctor immediately to see if antibiotic treatment is necessary.
Step 2. Contact your doctor even if splinters remain in the skin
Even if you don't feel irritation at the moment, the fiberglass may start to cause problems. Go to the doctor to have the fragments removed for you.
If you are concerned that the area is infected, see your doctor as soon as possible
Step 3. Protect yourself from fiberglass next time you need to handle this material
Wear gloves or clothing that won't allow splinters to come into contact with your skin. The important thing is to avoid scratching or rubbing the epidermis, in case some fragments remain attached; do not touch your eyes or face while working with this material, wear protective goggles and mask to prevent some splinters from getting into your eyes or lungs.
- If you rub or scratch the skin, you risk making the fragments go even deeper, which will get stuck in the skin. It is best to run running water over it and let the splinters rinse off like this.
- When you finish a job where you used fiberglass, wash your hands thoroughly, immediately remove any clothes that have been exposed to this material and put them to wash, being careful to keep them separate from the rest of the laundry.
- To best protect your skin, wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts. This significantly reduces the risk of irritating the skin with the glass fibers and that some splinters can stick to the skin.
- Rinse your eyes with cold water for at least 15 minutes if any debris gets into them accidentally. Do not rub them and go to the emergency room immediately, if the irritation persists even after this wash.
