If you get a splinter embedded in your skin, it’s more of a nuisance than painful. The skin tends to heal over it and it starts to hurt only once it is completely buried in the skin. This could also lead to some infection. Even if the skin has grown over the sliver, you can see the end of the sliver and that’s an indication that you should get the splinter out.
If the skin has grown on to the splinter, the skin would most probably be dead anyway. You will be able to slowly scrape off the skin to reach the splinter without causing any pain or bleeding. However, use a sterilized blade to scrape away the skin otherwise you could get an infection from the tool that you are using. Be careful not to put any pressure on the area otherwise you will inadvertently push the sliver further in.
Be sure to scrape off only the hard skin. If you try to attempt removing the sliver with the blade, you could end up giving yourself a deep cut. If you don’t feel comfortable trying to remove the skin, just apply pressure on either sides of the splinter to force it out of the finger. If the splinter is not budging, use a needle to push it out. Once a side starts to come out of the skin, use tweezers to completely remove it. However, make sure that the tweezers too are sterilized.
After you have managed to take out the splinter, clean the wound thoroughly with an antiseptic cream or lotion. If the splinter was in your feet, dress up the wound with band aid. You can also use some anti-fungal powder or anti septic powder before you dress it. This care should be taken since your feet are in constant contact with the ground and could quickly catch an infection in the open wound.
If the sliver has really gone down deep, it is best to show it to a doctor who will perform a small surgery to take it out.
To make sure that you don’t fall a victim to splinters again, it is best to take preventive measures. Always wear shoes or slippers every time you step out. The shoes not only save you from splinters but also make sure that you don’t dirty your feet or bring unnecessary bacteria into your home.
While working with tools and wood, wear proper clothing and plastic gloves to keep your hands and exposed parts of the body safe from splinters. If the area where the splinter has penetrated feels tender and painful, try using a bee sting swab to relieve yourself of the pain.