An object stuck under the skin such as wood splinters, thorns, slivers of metal or glass, and gravel.
Plan of Action:
Wash your hands and clean the area well with soap and water.
Use tweezers cleaned with rubbing alcohol to remove the object. Use a magnifying glass to help you see better.
If the object is under the surface of the skin, sterilize a clean, sharp needle by wiping it with rubbing alcohol. Use the needle to gently break the skin over the object and lift up the tip of the object.
Use a tweezers to grab the end of the object and remove it.
Wash the area again and pat dry. Apply petroleum jelly or an antibiotic ointment.
When to Seek Medical Help:
For a foreign object that seems to be more deeply embedded in the skin or muscle.
Don't try to remove the object. Doing so could cause further harm.
Bandage the wound. First put a piece of gauze over the object. Then, if it helps, put clean padding around the object before binding the wound securely with a bandage or a piece of clean cloth. Take care not to press too hard on the object.
In addition, seek medical help if:
The object is hard to see (as with clear glass) or doesn't come out easily (as with a fishhook).
The injury involves an eye or is close to an eye.
The wound is deep or dirty and the injured person's last tetanus vaccination was more than five years ago. The doctor may recommend a booster.
