Everyone faced a splinter in preschool age, and the only way to get rid of this scourge was to use a needle. This procedure was far from the most pleasant, but it is resorted to to this day. At the same time, other, more painless ways of removing a splinter from under the skin appeared, the use of which will not be one of the most unpleasant childhood memories.

Splinter: types, causes and places of appearance

A splinter is understood not only as a wood chip that is familiar to us under the skin, but in general any small foreign object located both in the skin and in the mucous membrane.

A large foreign body causes severe pain to the victim

The penetration of a foreign object into the epidermis occurs due to injury and violation of the integrity of the integument, which is most often accompanied by a sharp sensation of pain. Small splinters can painlessly pass into the upper layers of the skin or mucous membrane and only show up when complications develop against the background of their being inside the body.

Foreign bodies can be different both in size and in the type of their constituent material:

Most often, foreign bodies are found in the fingers and palms, as well as under the nails. In such places, you can often find wooden splinters, pieces of thorns and thorns. The hit of a foreign object in the area of ​​the foot or in the heel itself is common due to the habit of walking barefoot, so often a shard of glass, metal or a chip from a wooden floor sticks into the leg. The most dangerous splinter in the eye, with such an injury, a person can damage the eyeball due to strong blinking.

Symptoms accompanying receiving a splinter

The main sign by which the presence of a splinter is determined is the appearance of pain at the site of damage to the integrity of the skin or mucous membrane, as well as a piece of a foreign body sticking out above the affected surface.

These types of splinters are minor, as they penetrate shallowly, they are easy to see and remove.

Also, a foreign body can be located completely in the skin, under the upper layer of epidermal cells, in this case it can still be seen with the naked eye.

Any, even very small, splinter is accompanied by the development of an inflammatory process

Often, the skin around the affected area turns red and swelling may appear, especially if the foreign body was not immediately removed. With a delay, an inflammatory process develops, because each splinter carries with it an infection caused by contamination of a foreign object.

The appearance of throbbing pain in the wound and blue around it means that an abscess has begun to develop under the skin.

The more frequent complications of a foreign body are suppuration of the surrounding tissues and the formation of local inflammation. Outwardly, this is manifested by the appearance of an abscess, compaction of the lesion site and visible swelling.

If the splinter was not removed, or it was not removed completely, then the inflammatory process progresses until pus appears

If at this stage the splinter has not been removed from under the skin, then over time it will be more and more problematic to get it. It is covered with a capsule, inside of which pus accumulates. In this case, the old wound disappears, and the splinter remains inside the skin. Any touch to the site of the formed abscess causes significant pain. In such cases, it is necessary to contact a surgeon to open a dense growth, remove a splinter and then process the sore spot.

Part of the splinter remaining inside can fester over time and lead to the formation of an abscess.

Removal of a splinter without pain

There is an opinion that a splinter can come out on its own, since the body will not accept a foreign object and push it out from under the skin. This can really happen, but it is not known for sure whether the outcome will have consequences, whether the foreign body will be removed completely, how long this process will take.

The best option is to step in and remove the splinter. With the traditional method of using a needle, there is a high probability of introducing additional infection into the wound; careful preparation for the procedure is necessary. There are other extraction methods in which the splinter will come out on its own:

• the use of a saline solution;
• the use of ointments;
• following folk recipes.

Video: how to safely and painlessly remove a splinter

Preparation for splinter removal

Disinfection of the affected skin area is the stage preceding the removal of the splinter. As a disinfectant, you can use any drug available in the medicine cabinet:

• ethyl alcohol (40–70%);
• hydrogen peroxide 3%;
• Chlorhexidine solution;
• alcohol solution of iodine;
• greenery;
• potassium permanganate solution;
• Miramistin;
• Fukortsin and others.

Although these funds do not affect the regenerative processes of the skin and do not help to remove the splinter, they destroy the microbes that cause inflammation.

The step-by-step preparation process is as follows:

1. Pre-wash your hands using antibacterial or laundry soap.
2. Treatment of the wound with a selected antiseptic applied to sterile cotton wool or bandage.
3. Cleansing the instrument (tweezers, needles from the syringe) necessary to remove the splinter from the wound (for example, wiping with a swab soaked in alcohol).

Before washing and handling the area around the shard, wash your hands with soap and water.

The author of these lines was also faced with the need to remove a splinter, but most often this happened in the field: in the country and in the garden. As luck would have it, there was no medicine with me to disinfect the wound. In this case, I pre-calcined the needle in the flame of a candle and treated my hands laundry soap... After that, she carefully opened the skin over the splinter with a needle, grabbed it by the tip and carefully pulled it out. After such removal of the object, I again thoroughly washed my hands with soap and boiled water, paying special attention to the wound. No consequences in the form of inflammation or suppuration after such removal of the splinter occurred.

Ways to remove a splinter at home

Choice best method Removal of foreign bodies depends on their material, size, depth of penetration and time spent under the skin. So, metal splinters can be reached with a magnet.

The very stage of extracting a foreign object should take place under bright lighting, for example, under a fluorescent lamp. If the splinter is very small, you can use a magnifying glass, which will also allow you to correctly pick up the tip with tweezers and pull it out.

Removal of a splinter with ointments

Ointments are useful for removing splinters that are small in size and cannot be removed with tools. These products soften fabrics, pull the foreign object to the surface, after which it is easier to pick up and pull it out. In addition, ointments have a disinfecting effect, help prevent wound infection. Suitable drugs are:

• Ichthyol ointment;
• Synthomycin ointment;
• Vishnevsky ointment;
• Birch tar.

Step-by-step instructions for removing a splinter:

1. On the treated skin, in which there is a foreign object, the existing preparation is thickly applied.
2. The oiled area is sealed with adhesive plaster for a period of 10 hours to a day.
3. After the time has elapsed, the plaster is removed, and the splinter is easily removed.

Sometimes the foreign object is removed along with the patch. In another case, if the splinter does not come out completely, then you can grab it by the tip that appears and get it with a tool, for example, tweezers.

Photo gallery: stretching ointments

Ichthyol ointment has an unpleasant odor, but helps to remove the splinter the next day.
Synthomycin is an antibacterial agent that can stop the inflammatory process caused by a splinter
Levomekol is good not only for removing a splinter, but for preventing infection after removing it
Levosin is an analogue of Levomycetin, used in a similar way
If the splinter has already festered, then it would be most correct to apply Vishnevsky ointment to the affected area
Tar helps to remove the splinter very quickly, otherwise you can leave the compress overnight for better results

Removing a splinter with a needle

This method is not the most pleasant, however, the pain when removing the splinter can be removed by treating the damaged area with an anesthetic, for example, lidocaine ointment.

Reisfeder is also suitable for removing splinters from skin

1. Previously, the skin in the area of ​​the splinter is steamed for easier removal of the foreign body. To do this, lower the affected area, such as a finger, into a container of hot water for 10-15 minutes.
2. If the splinter is clearly visible, and one of its ends can be grasped with a tool, then you should carefully pull it out with tweezers, trying not to break it apart.
3. In the event that the tip does not rise above the surface, the prepared needle is inserted under the skin next to the splinter so that it is parallel to the stuck object, 1–2 mm.
4. With gentle movements, the upper layer of the skin covering the splinter, which consisted of dead epidermal cells, is torn open.
5. The tip released in this way is picked up with tweezers and pulled out at the same angle at which the splinter entered the skin.

This method is more suitable for removing large splinters that are shallow under the skin.

Video: removing a splinter with a needle and tweezers

Using folk methods

Some of the traditional methods are widespread, others are less commonly used, but they are united by their high efficiency in removing foreign objects stuck in the skin.

Iodine

Using iodine involves removing small, shallow splinters on the surface. It is believed that after repeated treatment of the damaged area of ​​the skin with the agent, the foreign body simply "burns out". Removing a foreign object from the skin with iodine is applicable when obtaining a wooden splinter, in other cases it will not help.

Edible salt

The saturated salt solution is especially helpful in removing splinters from under the nail.

Solution preparation:

Removal of a splinter:

1. Wait for the water to cool slightly. The finger must be dipped in hot saline solution, only in this case the method will be effective.
2. Keep your finger in salt water for 15 minutes.
3. After the time has elapsed, remove your finger from the solution and pull out the foreign body with tweezers (the salt will make the skin shrink, as a result of which it will move to its surface).

Also, this method is effective when removing a foreign body from the heel, where the skin is especially rough. With an old splinter, hot salt baths are ineffective.

Removing a foreign object with glue is quick and painless. This method is suitable for removing numerous superficial splinters from the skin.

PVA glue replaces splinter removal tools

Step-by-step instruction:

1. The damaged area should be pre-steamed in hot water for 15 minutes.
2. Over time, blot the skin with a dry towel, but at the same time it should not be rubbed.
3. Pour white glue over the steamed leather and leave until dry.
4. Remove the adhesive film, while splinters will be pulled out along with it.

Similarly, you can remove the splinters with tape or adhesive plaster, replacing them with PVA. It is forbidden to use Moment glue for the same purpose!

Vegetable oil

With the low efficiency of other methods, the use of oil will help:

1. Heat the oil in a water bath to an acceptable temperature (50-60 degrees) so that there is no burn.
2. Moisten cotton wool with hot oil and apply to damaged skin for a quarter of an hour.
3. Remove the splinter that appears with tweezers.

Vodka or ethyl alcohol

Alcohol in the house will also help remove the splinter:

1. A damaged finger or other sore spot should be immersed in a container with alcohol.
2. Keep the limb in ethanol for half an hour.
3. Get the splinter that appeared.

Medical alcohol is suitable not only for treating a wound, but also for removing a splinter

Banana skin

Banana peel is also folk method getting rid of a splinter:

1. From the previously washed skin, you need to cut a piece that is suitable in size.
2. Before going to bed, attach the banana peel with the inside to the sore spot and fix it with a bandage.
3. In the morning, remove the bandage and remove the splinter that has appeared.

Banana peel is a rather exotic, but effective way to remove a foreign body from under the skin.

Onion gruel

Not a very pleasant, but effective way to remove a splinter with an onion:

1. Wash and peel one onion.
2. Grate it, mince it, or use any convenient method for grinding.
3. Apply the resulting gruel to the damaged skin, close it on top with a gauze napkin and bandage it.
4. After 2 hours, remove the bandage and remove the splinter.

Clay cosmetic

Clay is the best way removing an old splinter, in the place of which aabscess.
Instructions:

1. Pour cosmetic clay (1 tablespoon) purchased at the pharmacy into a suitable container.
2. Add water, stirring gradually. The finished composition should resemble sour cream in its consistency.
3. Pour half a spoonful of vinegar into the diluted clay and mix.
4. Apply the resulting solution to the affected area of ​​the skin.
5. After the clay is completely dry, rinse it off with warm water and reapply the fresh composition. Repeat the procedure until a splinter appears on the surface of the skin.

For the best effect, the clay should be diluted with hot, not cold water.

Raw potatoes

Potato gruel has a softening and loosening effect on the skin, which helps to remove the splinter:

1. Wash and peel the potatoes, then chop them with a grater.
2. Apply the resulting gruel to the wound overnight, cover with a napkin and bandage.
3. In the morning, remove the bandage and remove the splinter.

In the same way, you can apply fresh lard, bread crumb, cottage cheese and aloe leaf to the skin at night.

Potato gruel is effective for removing glass splinters

Video: removing a splinter in folk ways

Damaged Skin Care and Symptom Relief

After removing the splinter, it is imperative to disinfect the wound. In this case, you can use the same drug used when treating the skin before removing the splinter.

In the event that blood has flowed from the resulting wound, a sterile bandage should be applied to avoid the penetration of infection into soft tissues.

With visible inflammation in the former location of the splinter, it is necessary to treat the wound with an antimicrobial ointment (Sintomycin, Levomekol, Levosin). Application of the drug is possible only in the absence of bleeding, otherwise the suppuration process can only worsen.

Disinfection after removal of a foreign body is a mandatory step for early wound healing.

For severe pain after removal of the splinter, you can use lidocaine-based local anesthetics or take NSAIDs (Nurofen, Ibuprofen).

Seeing a doctor

You should definitely visit a surgeon in the following cases:

• the splinter was not completely pulled out;
• the foreign object has sharp jagged edges, and you are afraid to remove it yourself;
• a glass splinter crumbled under the surface of the skin;
• a foreign body is in the mucous membranes of the eyes;
• the splinter is located at a great depth, and there is no way to get it out on your own;
• the length of the foreign object exceeds 0.5 cm;
• the appearance of a splinter is accompanied by an increase in body temperature;
• after removal of a foreign object, suppuration appeared, and the inflammatory process began.

When contacting a doctor, it is worth clarifying when the last time the victim was vaccinated against tetanus and, if necessary, do it again.

Forecast and possible consequences

The splinter should not be expected to come out on its own with lymph or pus. Such tactics can lead not only to severe suppuration and the formation of an abscess, but also to blood poisoning and even the onset of gangrene.

Also, the prognosis is sad in case of improper actions during the extraction of the splinter: the lack of disinfection, pressure on a foreign object and picking out wounds can lead to the fact that the foreign body breaks, crumbles, and the infection goes into deeper tissues. For the same reason, you cannot steam the damaged area if suppuration has already begun.

In the absence of timely vaccination, tetanus may develop as a consequence of a splinter. Therefore, when ignoring medical care a small foreign body can be fatal.

Foreign objects consisting of glass and metal are much more dangerous than wooden ones. Such splinters can not only damage soft tissues, but also touch the nerve endings, which will lead to unbearable pain. The inflammatory process with a metal splinter develops more rapidly, since this material tends to rust. The infection enters the bloodstream and quickly spreads throughout the limb.

Prevention of getting splinters

In order to avoid the unpleasant removal of the splinter, you need to take steps that minimize the likelihood of a foreign body under the skin:

Getting a splinter is not only unpleasant and painful, but also dangerous due to the high likelihood of complications. The main rule when trying to remove a foreign object is sterility. If it is not possible to pull out the splinter, then the best solution would be to contact a surgeon.

The appearance of a splinter is a small nuisance, familiar to every person from childhood. A foreign body can get under the skin quite easily: this happens during gardening or construction work without gloves. We get microscopic splinters quite often, without even noticing. They usually come out on their own when the body rejects a foreign body. However, large splinters are difficult to ignore, so you have to remove them yourself. Most people use an ordinary sewing needle for this, without even thinking that they are doing something wrong. This method of pulling out a foreign body can injure the skin and provoke blood poisoning. Therefore, we will consider how to pull out a splinter without a needle, and there are many such methods.

At first glance, foreign body penetration under the skin does not seem to be a serious problem. Some people ignore splinters for a long time, not knowing that they can cause harm to health. First, foreign particles under the skin are painful. Secondly, the wound can fester, and the inflammation will quickly spread to nearby tissues. Therefore, you need to get a splinter as quickly as possible in order to avoid possible complications... Medical help is needed in the following cases:

• the splinter has gone too deep;
• located near the eyeball;
• she provoked suppuration;
• a foreign body is part of a poisonous plant.

These are special cases, usually it is possible to remove the splinter at home without any problems.

First aid

Splinters are superficial and deep. In the first case, it is not difficult to remove the foreign body: it is enough to pick up the protruding tip with tweezers or nail scissors. After that, it is recommended to treat the wound with hydrogen peroxide to avoid infection. In the second case, the tip is under the skin, so it is impossible to pick it up. To properly remove the splinter, the following preparatory procedures will be required:

1. The site of penetration must be thoroughly rinsed.
2. Treat the wound with alcohol or antiseptic.

Splinters that have fallen deep under the skin should be removed only in good lighting. No need to try to squeeze the foreign body to the surface, this can drive it deeper.

We use the means at hand

How to remove a foreign body correctly? There are several effective ways perform this simple operation without injuring the skin, and most importantly, absolutely painless. This is done like this:

Having taken out a foreign body, you need to additionally treat the wound with an antiseptic and observe for 2-3 days so that suppuration does not appear.

Folk ways

There is a mass folk recipes helping to get rid of a foreign body trapped under the skin. It is difficult to say how quickly these methods work: much depends on the depth of the splinter and the individual characteristics of the organism. In any case, the particle that has got under the skin comes out on its own, without causing any uncomfortable sensations. Such methods are usually used for children who are afraid of needles and pricks. Adults will find it helpful to familiarize themselves with these methods.

So, how to get out a deep splinter:

A splinter under the skin gives a person a lot of inconvenience and discomfort. Using the recipes given, you can quickly and painlessly get rid of it. If the splinter does not come out, the surface of the skin begins to redden, suppuration appears, you should immediately consult a doctor.

A splinter can pierce the skin while working in the garden, during any household and household activities. Sometimes a splinter is so small that a person almost does not feel its presence. In this case, the skin itself will eventually expel the foreign body. But if the splinter is so big that it brings discomfort and pain, you need to take urgent measures to remove it as soon as possible.

What to do if a splinter is stuck in your hand

1. Before taking any measures to remove the splinter from the finger, you need to thoroughly rinse your hands and all the instruments that will be needed for the "operation". This is especially true if the splinter was obtained during dirty work - chopping wood, cleaning floors, working with wood.
2. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water. Then treat the area where the splinter, the needle and tweezers have been stuck with alcohol. Cook a couple clean napkins... Instead of a regular sewing needle, it is better to use a sterile syringe needle.
3. It is best to remove the splinter in good daylight. If you have poor eyesight, wear glasses or a magnifying glass.
4. If the splinter sits so deep that it is impossible to pry off the tip, use the needle to gently lift the skin over the splinter. If necessary, you can slightly tear the top layer of the epidermis.
5. When the tip of the splinter appears, pick it up with tweezers and carefully pull it out. Better to do this at the same angle at which the splinter dug into the skin.
6. If the tip cannot be reached, it is best not to pick on soft tissues and consult a doctor.
7. If you pulled out part of the splinter, and its piece remained in the skin, it is also better to consult a doctor. Because without special tools, it will be quite difficult to pull out a deep splinter.
8. After that, squeeze the skin around the wound so that the contaminated blood comes out.
9. The final stage of the procedure is treatment with an antiseptic. This is very important, because the splinter could carry bacteria and microbes deep into the tissues. It is best to treat the wound with hydrogen peroxide, boric acid, or rubbing alcohol. Ordinary vodka will do as well. If the wound is open and large, you can apply a bandage or an antiseptic tape.
10. Monitor the condition of the wound for a couple of days after the incident. If the skin turns red, swelling appears, you feel soreness, you need to see a doctor. An infection has probably occurred.

How to remove a splinter

But not always there are sterile tools at hand with which you can pull out a splinter. This is especially true for field conditions. Here are some simple tips to help you remove the splinter quickly and painlessly.

1. Scotch. This method is suitable for extracting a large number small splinters. For example, if you were holding glass wool, cactus, or small wooden objects. Tear off a piece of duct tape and stick it to the affected area. Do not press the tape too hard against your hand, as this can drive the needles even deeper. After that, carefully tear off the tape - you will see that most of the small splinters remain on the tape. Repeat the procedure several times until the skin is completely cleansed.
2. PVA glue. This method is suitable for child splinters. It is quite difficult to remove a splinter from a child - a rare baby will give himself a needle. To get a splinter out of a finger, you just need to generously grease it with glue. Once dry, the glue can be removed in one large layer. If the splinter is shallow, it sticks to the glue and is easily removed from the skin.
3. Soda. If the splinter is deep and it is not possible to pry it off, you need the skin to give it to you by itself. To do this, mix baking soda and water to make a gruel. Apply the slurry to the wound and fix with a plaster or bandage. After a few hours, the skin will swell and squeeze out the foreign body. If it doesn't, it will be much easier to remove the splinter from the soft, swollen skin.
4. Iodine. If the splinter sits so deep that there is no way to get it, smear the wound with iodine every three hours. The wooden splinter will simply burn out and after a while it will come out on its own. Iodine helps to destroy the sharp structure of the splinter, thereby relieving the person of pain.

Folk remedies for removing a splinter

1. There is an easy way to self-heal a splinter with salt water. But it is only effective if applied immediately after the splinter is received. Pour water into the glass as hot as you can handle. Dissolve three tablespoons of salt in water. Dip your splinter finger in the water for 20 minutes. Then dry your finger and apply a sterile bandage. Hot salt water softens the tissue and draws the splinter out.
2. You can use a banana peel to remove a deep splinter. Tie a piece of skin to the wound with the pulp to the damaged area. Leave it overnight. In the morning, the splinter will be on the surface and it will be easier to pry it off.
3. Remove the splinter will help Birch tar... Lubricate the place where the splinter has stuck with them, put a piece of cling film on top and wrap it with a bandage. In a few hours, the tar will bring the splinter out and it can be easily removed. You can leave the compress overnight.
4. If the splinter is already several days old, and an abscess has formed in its place, it is better to prepare such a remedy. Take healing or cosmetic clay and dilute it until it is creamy. Add a few tablespoons of vinegar to the composition. Lubricate the damaged area with the resulting ointment. After the composition has completely dried, you can replace it with a fresh one. After a few hours of such treatment, the skin will bring the splinter to the surface.

A splinter is a very unpleasant phenomenon. It’s even surprising that such a small thorn can bring so many inconveniences. To avoid pain and discomfort, remove the splinter immediately after it has sunk into your skin. We hope that our simple tips help you get rid of the annoying splinter.

Video: how to get a splinter out of your finger

Thank you

What is a splinter?

Splinter Is any foreign body in the skin or mucous membrane. Any object can act as a foreign body - a shard of glass, metal shavings, wood chips, plant thorns and thorns. These objects can penetrate through mechanical damage to the skin ( or mucous) cover. This violates the integrity skin, which is accompanied by a painful symptom. However, very small splinters can penetrate painlessly and be detected even with the development of complications.

Variants of a splinter can be:

• thorns of cactus and other plants;
• thorns of roses and other plants;
• wood, metal shavings;
• sawdust, chips.

It is important to understand that along with a splinter, an infection also enters the body, because most often the above items are contaminated. That is why such a harmless phenomenon as a splinter is dangerous for its complications. The most common consequence of a splinter is panaritium - purulent inflammation of the tissues of the finger. Less commonly, a splinter can lead to the formation of an abscess ( localized inflammation).

Black splinters under the nails

Sometimes on the surface nail plate black streaks appear, which some people mistake for a splinter. It should be noted right away that these defects of the nail plate have nothing to do with a splinter. Very often, these stripes are a manifestation of a fungus or other diseases.

Nails, like hair, are a reflection of our health. According to the condition of the nails, the doctor can determine the deficiency of iron in the body and other trace elements. It is important to pay attention to the direction of these stripes. So, the transverse striation of the nail plate may indicate heart problems, while the longitudinal striation may indicate a fungal pathology.

The reasons for black vertical stripes on the nails are:

• Fungal nail infection or onychomycosis. It is the most common reason black stripes. It is treated very easily with local and systemic antifungal agents.
• Lack of vitamins ( avitaminosis) also causes brittle nails and the appearance of black stripes on them. As a rule, this is a lack of vitamins of group B, as well as vitamins A and C.
• Lack of iron ( anemia). It is treated with iron preparations ( sorbifer).
• Pathology of the gastrointestinal tract. Stomach problems can also trigger black streaks on your nails. This is explained by the fact that with these pathologies, insufficient absorption of vitamins and microelements occurs. Therefore, even if they enter the body in sufficient quantities, they are not absorbed at the level of the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines.

Cactus splinter

A splinter from a cactus is one of the most common types of splinters. As a rule, such splinters are pierced into the fingertips and under the nails. Pulling out such a splinter, most often, is not a big deal. If the thorn from the cactus was more than one centimeter in size, then it is easy to pull it out with tweezers. But here you need to be careful not to squeeze the tweezers too much so as not to break the splinter. If the thorns were small, a couple of millimeters in size, then such splinters are easier to pull out with adhesive tape.
Regardless of the method of removing the splinter, it is important to follow the rules of hygiene. Splinters are removed exclusively with clean hands, and the site of the lesion is treated with an antiseptic before and after.

Metal splinter

Metal splinters, as a rule, enter the body when working in a carpentry workshop. This type of splinter is very dangerous, as it immediately leads to the development of powerful inflammation. Therefore, if such a splinter cannot be removed immediately, it is necessary to contact a surgeon. You cannot independently remove a deeply embedded metal splinter.

Splinter symptoms in children and adults

The main symptom of a splinter is its visible end on the surface of the skin. If the splinter goes under the skin, then its signs depend on how deep it has gone. Superficial splinters are visible to the naked eye under the epidermis, and the skin around them becomes reddened. A deeply penetrated splinter is not visually visible, but it leads to the development of symptoms such as redness, swelling and pain.

Inflammation with a splinter

Any splinter, even a very small one, is accompanied by the development of an inflammatory process. In this case, inflammation is a protective reaction in response to the penetration of a foreign body into the body.
In most cases, manifestations of inflammation with a splinter are redness and local ( local) edema. The first sign is due to the expansion of the vessels of the skin, as a result of which they are saturated with blood, which gives a red tint. Edema is provoked by increased permeability of the same vessels, due to which the fluid from them is transudated ( follows) in the fabric. The release of fluid into the tissue surrounding the splinter leads to the development of edema. And the increased permeability of blood vessels, and their dilatation ( extension) is due to the action of inflammatory mediators, which is formed in response to the penetration of a foreign body into the body.

Further, the development of the clinical picture depends on the size of the splinter and on its further fate. If the splinter was removed and treated in a timely manner, then the inflammation regresses ( passes). If the splinter was stopped or not completely removed ( or checked out but not processed), then the inflammatory process progresses further with the development of purulent inflammation.

Infection ( infection) after a splinter

Sometimes, even after removing the splinter, an infection may remain in the body. This can happen for several reasons. The most common cause is the remaining fragment of the splinter in the tissues or bacteria that originally entered with the splinter. Also, the cause of inflammation can be a lack of hygiene when removing a splinter. To avoid this, it is necessary to treat the splinter site with an antiseptic before and after extraction, and also remove the splinter with extremely clean hands.

The most common infection after a splinter is panaritium - inflammation of the tissue of the fingers. The cause of panaritium is the penetration of pyogenic bacteria ( staphylococci or streptococci) into soft tissues. Penetration can occur through small splinters, wounds, abrasions. Panaritium is a very serious consequence, and if urgent measures are not taken, the infection can spread further along the arm. Involvement of tissues of the hand, including tendons and joints, in the infection process, can result in amputation of the finger.

The types of felon are:

• Cutaneous- develops on the back of the finger. Pus accumulates around the nail bed. Outwardly, it looks like a dense bubble filled with turbid yellow liquid... The skin around the bladder becomes red, swollen, and very tense. This phenomenon is accompanied by a feeling of pain and burning.
• Subcutaneous- develops on the palmar surface of the fingers or hands. Pus in this case accumulates under the dense skin. Because of tight skin on the palmar surface, pus cannot pour out, but spreads deep into the joints and bones. As a result, subcutaneous panaritium is often accompanied by joint damage.
• Subungual- is a common complication of a subungual splinter. The inflammation in this case covers the soft tissues under the nail. The accumulating pus often penetrates under the nail plate ( nail).
• Periungual- is a common consequence of a manicure carried out in unsanitary conditions. However, a subungual splinter can also be a complication. Inflammation affects the periungual ridge, pus accumulates there.
• Tendinous- most often it is secondary, that is, it develops as a consequence of the primary panaritium. For example, with the penetration of pus from the superficially located layers, with subcutaneous panaritium. It is a rather dangerous disease that can lead to arm amputation.
• Articular- it is also most often a complication of cutaneous panaritium, when pus, not finding a way out, begins to penetrate deep into the joints and tendons.

The treatment of infection after a splinter cannot be done on an outpatient basis ( that is, at home). These complications are an indication for urgent medical attention.

What to do if the splinter hurts?

Pain is the very first and most obvious symptom of a splinter. Initially, it is a consequence of mechanical damage to the skin, as a result of which nerve endings are injured, which leads to the development of pain. However, in the future, the pain intensifies. This is explained by the development of edema and the accumulation of pus, as a result of which the surrounding tissue becomes tense. To eliminate pain syndrome in this case, it is necessary to reduce the swelling and reduce the stress. Warm salt baths are the best for this. According to the law of osmosis, excess liquid in soft tissues goes into hypertensive ( saturated with salt) solution.

What to do if a splinter breaks up?

The remaining splinter begins to break up over time, which means the production and accumulation of pus. Pus is a cloudy liquid with an unpleasant ( sometimes smelly) smell, which is the result of purulent inflammation. The process of the formation of pus is called suppuration, and among the people - an abscess. For purulent inflammation, the presence of pathogenic microbes in the wound is necessary. Most often, these microbes enter the body along with a splinter. Most often, purulent inflammation is provoked by pyogenic bacteria, such as staphylococci and clostridia.

If a splinter breaks up, then, first of all, it must be removed. Together with the extraction of the splinter, the process of suppuration will also stop. However, most often at the time of an abscess, the splinter already deeply enters the tissue, and it is impossible to remove it without surgery. For this, the focus of purulent inflammation must be opened.

How to painlessly pull out ( get hold of) a splinter?

People rarely seek help to remove a splinter in specialized medical institutions. As a rule, they come to the doctor's office with complications - panaritium, suppuration. Until this moment, the victim is trying to remove the splinter on his own. It should be noted that sometimes it is not so difficult to do this. It is important to follow the basic rules.

The rules for extracting a splinter are as follows:

• any splinter, regardless of size, is removed exclusively with clean hands;
• before extraction, the affected area must be treated with an antiseptic ( it can be iodine, hydrogen peroxide, formic alcohol);
• the place after removal of the splinter must also be subsequently treated with an antiseptic;
• it is not recommended to try to squeeze out the splinter, as this can drive it even deeper inside.

There are several ways to remove a shallow splinter. The most common way is to use tweezers or a needle ( the needle from the syringe, not for sewing). Tweezers are used when the end of a splinter is visible on the surface of the skin. Previously, the place of the splinter and the tweezers themselves are treated with hydrogen peroxide or some other antiseptic. Next, you need to pick up the protruding splinter by the visible edge and pull it in the direction opposite from the line of entry into the skin. In this case, it is important to pull out the splinter smoothly, otherwise it may break at the base. Some of the splinter remaining inside can fester over time and lead to the formation of an abscess.

You can use a syringe needle instead of tweezers. The syringe, of course, must be new; it is strictly forbidden to use used needles. The needle is recommended to be used when the splinter is very small and superficially entered the skin. There is no such splinter, for which to pick up, but it is clearly visible with the naked eye under the epidermis ( top layer of skin). After treatment of the lesion site, the needle is disconnected from the syringe and inserted under the skin over the splinter. The needle is gently advanced, thus, as if incising the skin over the splinter. As a result, the skin over the splinter is cut with the sharp edge of the needle, and the splinter itself is exposed, after which it can be easily removed. An alternative to tweezers and a needle is ichthyol ointment.

How to remove a deep splinter under the nail?

The fingers are the most favorite place for splinters, which is why most often the splinter is removed from the fingers or from under the nails. Depending on the location of the splinter, tweezers or a needle can be used to remove it. However, as a rule, splinters enter deep under the nail and become inaccessible for extraction. Therefore, in this case, it is recommended to initially resort to the help of an ointment or saline solution. They will help remove the splinter to the surface, after which it will become easier to hook it with tweezers.

A popular home remedy is baking soda... It is mixed with ordinary water to a thick slurry, after which it is applied to the surface with a splinter. Then a patch is glued to the affected area and left for a day. Soda draws not only the splinter to the surface, but also the inflammatory fluid around it. If a splinter causes severe pain, it is better to resort to ichthyol ointment, which in addition has an analgesic ( anesthetic) the effect. The ointment is applied like soda.

A day later, the plaster is removed, and the end of the splinter, which came out during this time to the surface of the skin, is captured with tweezers. If the splinter was very deep, then a very small end of the splinter may come to the surface. To make it easier to hook a splinter, you can pry it off with a needle. When the splinter is accessible to the naked eye, it is recommended to resort to tweezers. The edge of the splinter is grasped with tweezers and pulled gently. Do not squeeze the tweezers strongly, as this can break the tip of the splinter. The tweezers are pre-sterilized in boiling water or treated with an antiseptic solution.

How to remove a splinter with a needle?

Sometimes a splinter can be removed with a needle from a syringe. For this, the splinter must be located under the skin, but very superficially. Moreover, it should be visible to the naked eye. It is recommended to use a needle from a 2mm syringe. You can, of course, resort to a larger needle ( the larger the syringe, the thicker the needle), but in this case it will be more difficult to expose the splinter. The syringe must be new and in an airtight container. After removing the syringe, the needle must be disconnected and held by the base. It is recommended to pre-treat the site of the splinter with an alcohol solution. Further, holding the needle by the base, its sharp end is inserted parallel to the splinter under the skin. The needle should pass between the skin and the splinter parallel to the latter. With the sharp edge of the needle, it is necessary to slightly lift the skin, thereby cutting through it. Having cut the skin over the splinter, the latter is easily removed with the sharp edge of the needle.

How to remove a splinter without a needle?

Instead of a needle, tweezers, ointment, and sometimes even duct tape... Tweezers are suitable when the splinter has not completely penetrated the skin, and its end is visible above the skin surface. In this case, the free end of the splinter is grasped with tweezers and then removed. A prerequisite for this manipulation is the treatment of the site with an antiseptic before and after removing the splinter.
The use of adhesive tape or plaster is suitable for very small, superficial splinters ( for example, if fiberglass or small spines of a cactus act as a splinter). To do this, a piece of adhesive tape is first cut off, which should cover the affected area in size. The tape is carefully glued on, but without pressure, and also carefully removed after 10 seconds. Small splinters remain on the tape, however, if this did not happen, then the procedure can be repeated.

Some ointments will also help to cope with the splinter. The most common remedy in this case is ichthyol ointment. The ointment contains components such as ichthyol and petroleum jelly, which have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects. The ointment is readily available from pharmacies and is sold without a prescription. The skin around the splinter is pretreated with an antiseptic solution, after which a thin layer of ointment is applied to the splinter and the place around it. After that, the splinter is sealed with a plaster and left for 10 hours. Ichthyol enhances the regeneration processes ( recovery) and exchange in tissues, eliminates inflammation and, thus, "pulls out" the splinter. After 10 - 14 hours, the plaster is removed, and the splinter crawls out on its own.

How to remove a splinter with baking soda?

Sometimes splinters go deep into the tissue, so it becomes impossible to pick them up with tweezers or a needle. To remove the splinter in this case, they resort to using ointments. The ointment is applied to the affected area of ​​the skin, and then covered. In a day ( at least 10 - 12 hours) the plaster is removed. Ichthyol ointment, or any other, pulls the splinter to the surface, making it easier to remove it.

It should be noted that such products can also be made at home.
For example, baking soda paste is a popular extract. It contains ordinary baking soda and a small amount of boiled water. The ingredients are mixed together to form a paste, after which the resulting gruel is applied to the affected area. A tampon is applied on top and a patch is glued for a day. The mechanism of action of soda is similar to the effect of a saline solution - due to the difference in osmolar pressure between the affected area and soda, the splinter comes out.

How to treat a splinter?

Splinter treatment is a prerequisite when retrieving it. This procedure will reduce the risk of developing purulent complications. For this, as a rule, the most simple means, which are in the home first aid kit.

The means for treating splinters are:

• hydrogen peroxide;
• brilliant green ( Brilliant green);
• alcohol solution of iodine;

Many people are afraid of pain, preferring to endure a little discomfort, just not to undergo the slightest medical executions. These are splinters that are often ignored by patients. Is this way of treating your health safe? What happens if the foreign body is not pulled out for a long time? Will the body be able to "digest the stranger", safely getting rid of him after a certain time?

The answer to such a question cannot be unambiguous. Splinters are not alike, because the tip of a wooden thorn stuck in the surface layers of the skin and metal shavings that got deep into the body are completely different things.

The consequences of ignoring a splinter

What will happen if you do not pull out the splinter? Penetration of an infected foreign body under the skin can cause severe inflammatory processes, often leading to complications such as sepsis, tetanus, gangrene. But these are extremely dangerous consequences that threaten sluggish people who are dismissive of their health.

It is necessary to remove splinters, if only because they can conceal complications such as suppuration of the area around the wound, sharp pain and the inability to fully work or move. The easiest way to remove a foreign body is with any antiseptic that is at hand (alcohol, tincture, vodka, soda solution or hydrogen peroxide), tweezers, or a sterile needle. If the procedure is not available to the patient himself, a third party should be called for help, but it is advisable to make sure that this person sees well enough (he needs to remove the splinter without affecting the surrounding tissues), knows how to handle the needle (there are different cases, up to the curious ones).

Types of foreign bodies

• Glass shards - a sharp pain at the site of injury will indicate the presence of a pointed "stranger", and its large outlines indicate that the source of unpleasant sensations is not a thorn from a plant. The rapid development of the inflammatory process, suppuration, edema accompanied by intolerable pulsations is a guarantee of the development of complications in the form of blood poisoning, which can lead to death.

• Metal fragments, trimmings, shavings - in terms of the nature of pain and consequences, they are comparable to glass ones, but their external outlines can suggest the true origin of the splinter.

• Plant thorns, wood chips, wood chips are the safest foreign bodies that a strong organism often copes with on its own. But only if the splinter is very small and has not penetrated into the deep layers of the skin.

Removal rules

Safe and proven is traditional way removal of a foreign body. But it happens that this is an ineffective method that does not work. In such cases, doctors help, who, with local anesthesia, remove the splinter with the help of surgical instruments, treating the wound site with disinfectant solutions that prevent the infection from entering.

Remember: it is better to endure the pain once and get a foreign body than to lose health for a long time, fearing to interfere in the process and leaving the splinter in place.