SPLINTER STRATEGIES

If you get a splinter in or near your eye, a hard-to-reach place or near private parts, you’ll probably need to see a doctor. But if it’s just a run-of-the-mill splinter, check out these tips to remove it yourself:

Is the splinter exposed?

• Grab the tape. Duct tape is an easy way to remove a splinter without tweezers. Simply place on top of a wood, fiberglass or metal splinter and gently pull off away from the splinter.
• Tweeze it out. If the tape doesn’t work, you can always grab a pair of sterilized tweezers, pinch the end of the splinter sticking out from skin and gently pull it out.

Is the splinter embedded?

• Sterilize a needle. Poke a small hole in skin over the splinter. Then, grab the tweezers to reach in and gently pull it out.
• Wash it out. No matter how you remove a splinter, always clean the area with soap and water, apply antibacterial ointment and cover with a bandage.