# Foreign Object in the Skin

#### <span style="color: rgb(224, 62, 45);">**What is it?**</span>

##### <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">An object stuck under the skin such as wood splinters, thorns, slivers of metal or glass, and gravel.</span>

#### <span style="color: rgb(224, 62, 45);">**Plan of Action:**</span>

- ##### 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.

#### <span style="color: rgb(224, 62, 45);">**When to Seek Medical Help:**</span>

##### **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.

##### <span style="text-decoration: underline;">**In addition, seek medical help if:**</span>

- ##### 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.