Splinter

A splinter is a type of medical condition in which a foreign object, usually a small piece of wood, glass, metal, or plastic, is embedded in the skin. Splinters are usually caused by penetrating the skin with a sharp object, such as a nail or a thorn. They can also occur when a blunt object is rubbed against the skin, such as a piece of wood or glass. The foreign object can cause pain and inflammation, and in some cases, infection. The treatment for splinters is usually to remove the object from the skin. This is typically done by using tweezers to gently pull out the splinter. Other tools, such as a needle, may also be used. If the splinter is embedded deeply, the area may need to be numbed with an anesthetic before the splinter can be safely removed. In some cases, the splinter may be too small to extract. In this situation, a doctor may use other methods to remove the splinter, such as cutting the skin around it and then lifting it out with tweezers. If the splinter is still not able to be removed, a doctor may use a laser or a scalpel to remove it. Once the splinter is removed, the area may need to be washed with soap and water, and a bandage may be applied. If the splinter caused an infection, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics. In some cases, a splinter may cause a more serious infection, such as tetanus, which may require more intensive medical treatment.