The right – and wrong – way of taking a splinter out

The wrong way, says leading dermatologist Robert Sidbury, is trying to squeeze it out, as that can cause the splinter to break up and so become more difficult to remove it cleanly and completely.

Instead, use tweezers or a needle, depending on whether the splinter is part-way out or fully embedded. You should be able to pull out the splinter with tweezers if the splinter is sticking out, although first sterilize the tweezers with rubbing alcohol. If the splinter is completely under the skin, use a small needle to pierce the skin’s surface and then carefully push it out. It’s an operation that may be better done by a friend.

Afterwards, wash the affected area and apply petroleum jelly, and bandage if necessary.

(Source: American Academy of Dermatology)

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