Are You Sick?

Sliver or Splinter

Is this your symptom?

A foreign object stuck in the skin
Some examples are a wood splinter, fishhook, glass sliver or needle
Excludes deep Puncture Wounds (see that care guide)

Symptoms of a Foreign Object in the Skin

Pain. Most tiny slivers in the top layer of skin do not cause much pain. An example of these tiny slivers is plant stickers. Objects that are deeper or go straight down are usually painful to pressure. Objects in the foot are very painful with standing or walking.
Foreign Object Sensation. The person may complain about something being in the skin ("I feel something in there.").

Types of Foreign Objects

Wood (organic): splinters, cactus spines, thorns, toothpicks. These objects are irritating and become infected if not removed.
Metallic: BBs, nails, sewing needles, pins, tacks
Fiberglass slivers
Fishhooks may have a barbed point that makes removal difficult
Glass sliver
Pencil lead(graphite, not truly lead)
Plastic sliver

When to Call for Sliver or Splinter

When to Call for Sliver or Splinter
Call Doctor or Seek Care Now Object is a BB Object in the skin and No past tetanus shots You can't get the object out or want a doctor to take it out You think you need to be seen, and the problem is urgent	Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours Puncture wound and last tetanus shot was more than 5 years ago Wound looks infected (spreading redness) You think you need to be seen, but the problem is not urgent Contact Doctor During Office Hours You think you may have a foreign body in your skin but are unsure Minor slivers, spines or fiberglass slivers that need to be removed You have other questions or concerns	Self Care at Home Minor slivers, splinter or thorn that you can remove at home

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

Object is a BB
Object in the skin and No past tetanus shots
You can't get the object out or want a doctor to take it out
You think you need to be seen, and the problem is urgent

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

Puncture wound and last tetanus shot was more than 5 years ago
Wound looks infected (spreading redness)
You think you need to be seen, but the problem is not urgent

Contact Doctor During Office Hours

You think you may have a foreign body in your skin but are unsure
Minor slivers, spines or fiberglass slivers that need to be removed
You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

Minor slivers, splinter or thorn that you can remove at home

Care Advice for Minor Slivers and Splinters

What You Should Know About Puncture Wounds:
- Most shallow puncture wounds do not need to be seen.
- If the wound is deep and cannot be cleaned, you should seek medical help.
- Here is some care advice that should help.
Cleaning the Wound:
- First wash off the foot, hand or other punctured skin with soap and water.
- Then soak the puncture wound in warm soapy water for 15 minutes.
- For any dirt or debris, gently scrub the wound surface back and forth. Use a clean wash cloth to remove any dirt.
- Dry with a clean towel.
- If the wound re-bleeds a little, that may help remove germs.
Antibiotic Ointment:
- Use an antibiotic ointment (such as Polysporin). No prescription is needed.
- Then, cover with a bandage (such as Band-Aid). This helps to reduce the risk of infection.
- Re-wash the wound, dry and put on antibiotic ointment every 12 hours.
- Do this for 2 days.
Pain Medicine:
- To help with the pain, take an acetaminophen product (such as Tylenol).
- Another choice is an ibuprofen product (such as Advil).
- Use as needed, but do not take more than the maximum recommended dosage as stated on the package.
- If you are not sure what to take, ask a pharmacist.
What to Expect:
- Puncture wounds seal over in 1 to 2 hours.
- Pain should go away within 2 days.
Call Your Doctor If:
- Dirt in the wound is still there after 15 minutes of scrubbing
- Pain increases or becomes severe
- Looks infected (redness, red streaks, draining pus, swelling, fever)
- Not getting better within 2 days
- You think you need to be seen
- Your symptoms get worse

And remember, contact your doctor if you develop any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.

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