Splinter Removal in Starkville, MS | State Urgent Care

 

Splinter injuries are common, and the most common of them are wood splinters, glass fragments and metallic shards. Most superficial splinters can be removed at home with no difficulty or consequence. But larger and deeper splinters are often too difficult and/or painful to remove at home.

You may need to see a provider to remove these splinters or to remove splinters or shards that have broken apart, which often happens during the attempt to remove the foreign body. If not removed completely, a splinter or other foreign body can potentially cause complications, including inflammation, infection and toxic reactions. The chances of infection are dependent on the type of material the splinter is made of. For example, organic material—like animal splines or plant thorns—is more likely cause infection or toxic reactions.

 

Infection isn’t automatic, but keep an eye out for it.

For splinters of various material types, feeling pain and having a sense of a foreign body under the skin are common. Often, the splinter will be visible under the skin. There may be light blood flow, or no bleeding whatsoever. Watch for these signs that injection may be taking hold and that the foreign body hasn’t been completely removed:

• Discharge (pus)
• Increased pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Red streaking

It’s important to remember that any foreign body contains a large quantity of microorganisms (germs), which can lead to infection even if the splinter has been fully removed. Even with complete removal and thorough cleansing, infection could still develop simply as a result of breaking through the protective skin barrier.

If you’re experiencing any of the signs of infection listed above, just come on in to State Urgent Care between 8:00am and 7:00pm to get quality medical attention. If you need more information, call 662-338-4826.