Emergency advice

How to get a splinter out:

  1. Clean the area with warm water and soap.
  2. Grasp the splinter with tweezers close to the skin.
  3. Clean, dry, and dress the wound.

Splinters can be easily removed from the skin using tweezers. However, if the splinter is deep in the skin it can be difficult to remove and should be left in place. Advise the casualty to seek medical help. 

What to do

  1. Clean the area around the splinter carefully with warm water and soap. 

  2. Grasp the splinter with the tweezers as close to the skin as possible, and draw it out in a straight line keeping it at the same angle as it goes into the skin. 

  3. Squeeze the wound carefully to encourage slight bleeding as this will help to remove any dirt. 

  4. Clean and dry the wound and cover with a dressing.  

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Related first aid advice

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How to apply a dressing

When you have a wound, you should always cover it with a dressing as this can help to prevent infection. Find out what to do.

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