Stubborn Splinter

Dear Lisa

My 4 year old son got a splinter in his foot. Whenever he gets a splinter and I try to take it out, he wiggles and cries so much that it’s almost impossible to even see what I’m doing. Do you have any suggestions on getting splinters out?

“Can’t Get The Splinter Out” in N.J.

Dear “Can’t Get The Splinter Out”,

First make sure it really is a splinter. I had a little girl come into the office once with her mom complaining about a splinter in her heel and it turned out to be a straight pin! If you’re sure it is a splinter, I do have a few hints for you. If you soak the area first, it softens the skin and makes the splinter come out easier. Put warm soapy water with a couple of squirts of Betadine solution (if you have it) into a small bowl and have your child soak his hand or foot for 10 to 15 minutes. Next wipe the area with a cotton ball soaked in Hydrogen Peroxide a few times (this is not recommended if the splinter is on the face). The hydrogen Peroxide will bubble at the site of entry and therefore you will know where the opening in the skin is and where to pick. The Hydrogen Peroxide breaks down skin and will cause the skin above the splinter to peel, exposing the splinter and therefore allowing it to come out more easily. Next, invest in a really good pair of tweezers with a pointy tip. The right equipment makes a world of difference. One suggestion to relieve the pain is to press firmly with your finger on the area below the splinter during the removal process. By doing this your child will feel the pressure from your finger and the splinter site will hurt less.

For children who really are out of control, one suggestion is to remove the splinter at night when the child is sleeping. Make sure you have permission from your child to do this. If your child has had a bad experience in the past with splinters, chances are he or she will happily agree to this. If the splinter is deep, appears infected or you are not able to get it out, you should contact your Doctor or Nurse Practitioner. Good luck!

Lisa Kelly, R.N., P.N.P.,C.
Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Pediatric Advice Website