Foreign Object in the Skin

What is it?

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.