Like paper cuts, you can file splinters under “small things that cause great pain.” Most people have experienced a splinter at some point in their lives. At best, it can be a minor annoyance, but at worst, a foot splinter may cause long-lasting health problems. If not removed, splinters can lead to infections or tetanus.
The good news is that there are many ways to remove a splinter. Let’s explore the different techniques and understand when to seek medical help.
What Is a Splinter?
A splinter is a tiny sliver of material below the top skin layer. The most common sources of splinters are wood, glass, metal or organic matter such as thorns. Signs of a foot splinter include:
- A speck visible under the skin
- Pain at the splinter site
- A sensation of something poking into the skin
- Swelling or redness, which may indicate infection
How to Remove Foot Splinters
It’s best to act fast to extract splinters. If left in, they can cause further problems. Follow these step-by-step instructions for how to remove a foot splinter safely:
1. Prepare the Area
Before tackling the splinter, sanitize your hands. Wash the area around the splinter with antibacterial soap and pat it dry.
2. Inspect the Splinter
You’ll need to examine the splinter to determine the best extraction method. For smaller splinters, you may need a magnifying glass. Note the following:
- Location: Look at where the splinter is on the foot. The softer skin on the foot arch is more sensitive than the tougher heel skin. If the splinter is under the toenail, it may require medical extraction.
- Depth: The deeper the splinter, the harder it is to remove. You may need to use a solution to bring the fragment closer to the surface.
- Direction: Pulling the splinter in the same direction prevents further fragmentation or pain.
- Size: Which extraction method you use may depend on the size of the splinter.
3. Use a Splinter Removing Technique
Now, to remove that pesky splinter! Here are the top tried-and-tested extraction methods:
- Tweezers: These are by far the most popular removal technique. They are best used on small, accessible splinters. Disinfect the tweezers using hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol. Grip the exposed part of the splinter between the tweezers’ arms and pull it in the same direction. Use a slow, gentle motion to avoid breaking the fragment inside the skin.
- Duct Tape: This multipurpose tape can remove deeper splinters. Ensure the splinter area is clean and dry so the tape sticks. Apply the tape over the splinter and wait for 30 minutes. Pull the tape in the opposite direction to the splinter.
- Needle: When a splinter punctures deep into the skin, you may need to expose it with a needle. Sterilize the needle and tweezers (you’ll need these later). Apply ice to the area to help numb it. Use the needle’s point to pierce the skin where the splinter head is visible. Feather the skin to expose the splinter and follow the tweezer removal steps.
- Epsom salts: You may need a solution to draw deeply penetrating splinters to the surface. Epsom salts can relieve sore muscles and bring out splinters. Dissolve 1 cup of Epsom salts in a warm bath and soak your foot for around 30 minutes. Dry off the area and check if the splinter has risen. If so, you can use tweezers to pull it out.
- Baking soda: This household staple is an alternative to Epsom salts. Combine 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda with an equal amount of water. Mix the ingredients into a paste and apply it over the splinter. Cover it with a bandage. After 24 hours, check if the splinter is near the skin’s surface and remove it with tweezers.
4. Clean and Dress the Area
Once you’ve removed the splinter, check for any remaining fragments. Clean the area again and cover it with a plaster or bandage. To prevent infection, you can use an antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly.
Precautions
Extracting a splinter can be a delicate procedure. To avoid further complications, take the following precautions:
- Avoid squeezing or pinching the skin around the splinter, as this can cause it to fragment.
- Sanitize the extraction tools. Dirty tweezers (or hands) can introduce bacteria into the wound and lead to infection.
- Seek medical assistance if the splinter is too deep or under a toenail.
What Happens If You Leave a Splinter?
Left untreated, a foot splinter can turn a minor inconvenience into a major problem. A splinter punctures the skin’s protective barrier, leaving an opening for bacteria. The splinter matter may already contain bacteria, allowing it to pass into the blood. Without intervention, infections can cause life-threatening illnesses such as septicemia or blood poisoning.
The splinter may contain tetanus-causing contaminants. Tetanus is an infectious disease caused by the Clostridium tetani bacterium. Children receive tetanus vaccinations and adults should get booster vaccinations every 10 years.
The body may try to reject the splinter, causing inflammation. When immune cells create a barrier around a foreign object, a hard lump called a granuloma can form. The body may also have an allergic or toxic reaction to the splinter material.
Leaving a splinter in your foot may impede walking and cause long-term pain. Infections may spread to other parts of the body. It’s better to be safe and remove a foot splinter as soon as you notice it.
When to Seek Treatment for a Foot Splinter
At-home treatment is suitable for most splinter cases. However, there are instances where medical intervention is necessary. Seek professional help if you experience any of the following:
- The splinter is so embedded that you cannot remove it yourself.
- There is discoloration at the splinter site.
- You notice pus or an unpleasant odor coming from the area.
- Your skin is warm or you have a fever.
- Touching the area causes severe pain.
- The fragment is too large to remove alone.
- There is swelling or redness around the splinter.
No Problem Too Big or Small for Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates
Splinters embedded deep in your foot can affect mobility or cause infection. The podiatry experts at Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates can tackle any foot complaint. We use modern diagnostic equipment and efficient techniques to get you back on your feet fast!
Tell foot pain to take a hike! Call 360-754-3338 to schedule an appointment and take a step toward good foot health.
