When you get a splinter or a thorn stuck in your hand, you should not rush to squeeze or pull it out. If you are not careful, the splinter will sink deeper into the skin and make it difficult to remove, leading to infection if left for a long time. Below are some ways to remove splinters quickly and safely that you can refer to.

When doing daily activities without gloves, you can get splinters stuck in your skin. Although splinters are very small, they will cause an extremely uncomfortable and painful feeling. Splinters are very small in size, so removing them from your hand is also very difficult.

The first thing you need to do is clean the area where the splinter is stuck. You can use mild soap and warm water to wash the skin around the splinter. This step can reduce the risk of spreading bacteria that cause infection.

Do not scrub the splinter area too hard because this action can push the splinter deeper. After cleaning, gently wipe the splintered area with a soft towel or clean cloth.

1. Remove splinters with tweezers

Before using tweezers to remove splinters from your hand, you need to sterilize the tweezers with medical alcohol. If the splinter is under the skin, you can use a sterilized needle to cut the skin and lift the skin. Once you see the tip of the splinter, use the tweezers to grasp the splinter near the surface of the skin, then gently pull the splinter out in the direction it entered.

2. Remove splinters with tape

Flimsy splinters such as thorns or fiberglass can be removed with tape. You can use many different types of tape such as paper tape, cloth tape or electrical tape.

Stick a piece of tape over the splinter and press down firmly so that the tape sticks to the splinter. When doing this, make sure to press so that the splinter does not go deeper into the skin, avoiding pressing on the penetrating end of the splinter. Once you are sure that the splinter is stuck to the tape, pull the tape out in the direction that the splinter entered.

3. Remove splinters with vinegar

Put vinegar in a bowl, dip the splintered area in it for about 10-15 minutes. This will help the splinter to rise to the surface of the skin, making it easier to remove.

4. Remove splinters with a glass jar

When you get a splinter, what you need to do is prepare a wide-mouthed glass jar filled almost completely with hot water. Then, press the splintered area firmly into the mouth of the jar. The pressure of the hot steam in the jar will pull the splinter out.

If the splinter has been in your skin for several days and you see signs of infection, see a doctor immediately to have it removed. In such cases, it is better not to try to remove it yourself, as the scratch may develop into tetanus. The doctor will safely remove it, help bandage the wound, and heal the infection.