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- $Unique_ID{BRK01488}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Is There Any Special Technique For Removing Splinters?}
- $Subject{removing splinters first aid accidents wood splinter work gloves skin
- accident remove disinfectant betadine sterile needle tweezer antibacterial
- ointment disinfectants needles tweezers ointments}
- $Volume{O-20}
- $Log{}
-
- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
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-
- Is There Any Special Technique For Removing Splinters?
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- QUESTION: I work around wood products, and splinters are a regular thing in
- my life. I can't afford to go to a doctor every time, so I just remove them
- myself. I am wondering if there is any special technique you might know of
- that I should use? I never thought to ask my own doctor.
-
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-
- ANSWER: I suppose that suggesting you wear work gloves will go unheeded, so
- let me suggest this method. First carefully clean the area where the splinter
- has penetrated the skin. You can use alcohol or a disinfectant such as
- Betadine. Using a sterile needle, lift the skin around the splinter until it
- can be grasped firmly with a fine tweezer. Once the splinter has been
- removed, you can wash the area thoroughly with soap and water. Complete the
- treatment by applying an over-the-counter antibacterial ointment to help
- prevent infection. If the splinter is too deeply embedded below the skin to
- be easily removed, your wisest course is to visit the doctor. In order for
- this method to work to your advantage, you should prepare in advance and be
- sure you have a supply of sterile needles, a proper tweezer and the
- disinfectants and ointment, I have recommended. And, if I were you, I would
- be sure a fellow worker was skilled in the techniques, because it take both
- hands to perform correctly, and you may not have both available if the
- splinter is in your finger!
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-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
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-