How to treat splinters and slivers

What is a splinter/sliver?

A splinter, also known as a sliver, is a small fragment of material that has become embedded under the skin. Most splinters come from pieces of wood, but other common materials that cause splinters include glass, plastic and metal. The bones of animals, like fish, can also cause splinters.

Most children get splinters on their hands or feet, but a splinter can happen anywhere on the body.

Signs and symptoms of a splinter/sliver

• A small dark spot or line underneath the skin
• Sharp, stinging pain where the splinter is located
• A feeling that something is stuck under the skin
• Symptoms of infection including redness, swelling, warmth or pus where the splinter is located

How to treat splinters/slivers

To remove a splinter from under your child’s skin:

1. Wash your hands and the area around the splinter with soap and warm water, and gently pat the skin dry.
2. Sterilize a needle and tweezers with rubbing alcohol and a cotton pad, or use a pre-sterilized splinter remover (e.g., Splinter Out).
3. Using tweezers to remove the splinter:
• If the splinter end is sticking out of the skin, use the tweezers to slowly pull it out. It is important to pull at the same angle that the splinter entered the skin in order not to break it.
4. Using a needle or splinter remover to remove the splinter:
• If the entire splinter is embedded under the skin, gently pierce the surface of the skin and use the needle to carefully push out part of the splinter. When there is enough of the splinter end sticking out, use the tweezers to slowly pull it out. It is important to pull at the same angle that the splinter entered the skin in order not to break it.
5. After the splinter has been removed, clean the area with soap and water and cover it with a bandage until it heals.

If the site of the splinter is throbbing or painful, you can give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen either before or after removal. If the splinter is large, deep or impossible to remove, seek help from a health-care provider.

Risk of infection

It is important to remove a splinter right away to avoid an infection. It is also easier to remove a splinter as soon as you or your child become aware of it, as your child’s skin has not yet had time to heal over. Organic material such as wood or thorns may become infected more quickly than inorganic material such as glass, plastic and metal, so it is especially important to remove splinters of organic material immediately.

Helpful tips

• Soak the location of the splinter in warm water for a few minutes before trying to take it out. This may help the splinter move closer to the skin’s surface.
• Sometimes, placing an adhesive bandage over the area will help to soften the skin. Try to remove the splinter after your child has worn the bandage for a few hours.
• Use a magnifying glass to help you get a better look at the splinter.
• Get help from another adult to help keep your child still or to hold up a magnifying glass.
• Do not pinch your child’s skin. This can put pressure on the splinter and cause it to break into fragments.
• Be patient and calm. If you are calm, your child is more likely to stay calm as well.
• If the end of the splinter is sticking out of the skin, encourage your child not to touch it as it is easier to remove if the end is not broken off.

How to prevent splinters/slivers

To prevent splinters, have your child avoid:

• rubbing their hands along wooden surfaces such as playground equipment, railings, picnic tables, outdoor decks and outdoor furniture
• walking barefoot across decks, docks, boardwalks and when wading in water such as lakes, rivers and streams
• walking in areas where glass has broken without wearing slippers or shoes
• walking in areas that are overgrown with trees and bushes, and with plants that have thorns or spikes

When to seek medical attention

Make an appointment with your child's health-care provider or take them to the nearest Emergency Department if:

• The splinter is large, deep or impossible to remove.
• The splinter has entered the skin near the eye or under the fingernail or toenail.
• The area of the splinter is bleeding a lot.
• The skin around the splinter looks infected (red, swollen, warm to the touch or pus is present).
• The splinter has broken in the attempts to remove it.
• You have tried unsuccessfully to remove the splinter for more than 10 to 15 minutes.
• Your child's tetanus vaccination is not up to date.

Be sure to ask your child’s health-care provider if a tetanus booster is needed.