How to Draw a Splinter Out:
If you’re among the unlucky few who’ve ever had to deal with a splinter, then you know how truly annoying and painful it can be. Not only can splinters cause irritation, redness and inflammation, but they can also be difficult to remove.
So what should you do if you find yourself with a pesky splinter? Well, the first step is preparing. A magnifying glass, tweezers and a pair of slanted tip tweezers would be the tools you will need to succeed. Then, the process is relatively simple:
- Take a deep breath and relax as much as possible.
- Put the magnifying glass over the afflicted area and examine the area closely.
- Using tweezers or a slanted tip tweezer, slowly grip the splinter near the point of entry.
- Gently pull the splinter. If the splinter is too deep, try not to wiggle the splinter.
- If all of the splinter is not coming out easily, use the slant-tip tweezer to push the remaining splinter out.
It’s also essential to remember to cleanse the area immediately after removing a splinter. Gently wash the area with soap and warm water and pat it dry with a clean cloth. Also, apply antibiotic ointment on the injury to prevent an infection, and cover it with a bandage or adhesive strips.
In certain cases, if a splinter is too deep and you cannot remove it on your own, a doctor may need to be involved. If you experience red streaks or swelling, it could be indicative of an infection and medical intervention is then necessary. An infection could lead to more serious consequences.
How to Prepare for Removing a Splinter
In order to safely and effectively draw out a splinter, you must first properly prepare. Ensure you have the tools you will need. Aside from the magnifying glass and tweezers, you can also use a needle or a warm, damp tea bag as an alternative. You should also clean the tools off with soapy water and sterilize them with rubbing alcohol.
It’s also important to have a calm and relaxed mindset prior to beginning the process. It’s sensible to enlist a friend or family member to help if needed; they can hold a flash light or provide a second set of eyes. Moreover, the splinter removal process is easier and more successful if done in a well lit area.
Once everything is in order, take a few deep breaths and you’re ready to begin.
The Benefit of Magnifying Glasses
The biggest benefit of using magnifying glasses when attempting to deal with a splinter is the magnification of the injured area. Oftentimes, splinters can be difficult to spot with the naked eye, so the use of a magnifying glasses allows us to get a closer observation of the affected area. This helps to make sure that all pieces of the splinter will be removed altogether.
Additionally, magnifying glasses are useful for ensuring that the area remains blood-free, which can be difficult without the additional help of a magnifying pallet. Not only can blood clotting make the removal of a splinter less clean and successful, but it can also make the removal process itself more uncomfortable and irritating to the person experiencing the splinter.
Skin Care After Splinter Removal
Once the splinter has successfully been removed, it’s time to think of skin care. If your skin remains clean and free of infection, then all that is necessary is to rinse off the area with warm water and gentle soap, and then pat dry. Other skin care measures that can be beneficial are the application of healing ointment and the covering of the affected area with a bandage or adhesive strips.
For more serious cases in which there the wound remains open or the splinter could not be totally removed, it is best to seek medical advice from a professional. In such cases, medical intervention and further skin care measures may be required.
Washing Hands Before Removing a Splinter
Before you even begin the process of splinter removal, it’s essential to wash your hands. Not only can washing your hands help in keeping the surrounding area clean and free of infection, but it can also help to reduce the amount of bodily fluids such as oils and sweat that come into contact with the wound itself. By doing this, you minimize the risk of a potential long-term skin infection.
The presence of oils and sweat can also make the removal process more difficult and uncomfortable. Therefore, cleaning your hands before starting is a small but effective step that can help make the whole process of splinter removal much smoother in the long run.
