Berkeley Parents Network: How to Remove a Splinter

Berkeley Parents Network

How to Remove a Splinter

Berkeley Parents Network > Advice > Advice about Health > How to Remove a Splinter

July 2004

Does anyone have a technique for removing splinters relatively quickly and/or relatively painlessly? My mom used a sewing needle and tweezers to dig the splinter out and rubbing alcohol to sterilize. It wasn't too pleasant. Is there a better way? David

I'm not clear how old the person with the splinter is, but our pediatrician says that on young ones, a splinter will surface and fall out pretty fast, and it's not worth the anguish of digging it out. trust me

Go to Pasttime Hardware (or similar) and get the sharp-pointed tweezers in a little plastic tube. About an inch and a half long with a SHARP point. I have yet to meet a splinter they can't get out -- and way less painful than digging in with a needle since there's two sides to grip the little thingie and pull it out. Trust me.

Take a piece of scotch or cellophane tape, place it directly on top of the splinter and wait 5 minutes, than peel off the tape. Most times, the splinter ! will adhere to the tape and come off, easily and painlessly. Good luck. Tora

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