A splinter is a tiny piece of material, such as wood, glass, metal, or plastic, that becomes embedded in the skin. Splinters are common minor injuries, often occurring on the hands or feet when handling rough materials or walking barefoot. While usually small, splinters can cause pain, irritation, and sometimes infection if not removed.
First aid for splinters focuses on safe removal. After washing your hands and cleaning the affected area, most splinters can be removed with sterilised tweezers. For splinters that are just under the skin, carefully using a sterilised needle to lift the skin before grasping the splinter may help. Once removed, the area should be washed again, treated with antiseptic, and covered with a clean dressing if needed.
Seek medical attention if the splinter is deep, located near the eye, difficult to remove, or shows signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus. Prompt and careful first aid reduces discomfort and supports quick healing.
A splinter is a small, thin piece of material—like wood, glass, or metal—embedded in the skin. Most splinters can be removed safely with basic first aid.
