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Remove Splinters

Price
From £175

Appointment

30 minutes

Professional

Doctor

Doctor doing wound dressing after splinter removal

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4.8
4.8/5
4.7
4.7/5
Care Quality Commission
Primary Care & Diagnostics Finalist Award

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Appointment:

Professional: Doctor

Splinter Removal & Treatment

Splinters can be a nuisance, uncomfortable, and painful, and they can also cause infections. Removing them properly is crucial to prevent infection and ensure healing.

If you have a splinter that you are struggling to remove, our experienced team is here to help with effective splinter removal techniques for a quick and successful recovery.

Splinter Extraction

We can remove most splinters, including those that are deeply embedded or located under a finger or toenail. These splinters are usually full of germs and may cause an infection.

Depending on the splinter’s location and depth, we use specialised tools and techniques to safely extract it. This may include sterile tweezers for splinters that are visible and protruding, needles to gently lift splinters embedded below the surface, or surgical instruments for more complicated cases or splinters that are deeply lodged.

After removal, we clean and disinfect the area to prevent infection, and we may apply an antiseptic and, if necessary, a sterile bandage to protect the wound.

When To Seek Medical Help

You should consult a doctor if the splinter is deep or has broken during attempts to remove it, or if you notice signs of infection such as red or hardened skin or discharge that is white or yellow.

Additionally, seek medical help if the splinter has entered the skin near the eye or under the fingernail, if you have tried removing it unsuccessfully, or if the splinter has entered the skin vertically.

Woman doctor smiling
Serious doctor with arms crossed

Common Splinter Types

  • Metal Splinters: Metal fragments can be sharp and cause significant irritation.
  • Plastic Splinters: Plastic splinters are less common but can still cause irritation.
  • Glass Splinters: Glass can cause deep cuts and splinters that are sometimes difficult to see.
  • Thorns and Prickles: Often from plants or bushes, thorns can be barbed and require careful removal.
  • Wood Splinters: Often from wooden furniture or construction materials, wood splinters can be tricky due to the possibility of splintering further into the skin.

Statistics​

of All Doctors in the UK are GPs
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times, on average, a person sees a GP a year
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Preventing Splinters

Preventing splinters helps avoid discomfort and infections.

  • Wear Protective Gear: When engaging in activities like gardening, woodworking, or handling materials that may cause splinters, wearing gloves can help protect your skin from getting splintered.
  • Use Proper Tools: Ensure that you use the correct tools for the job. For example, using the right type of equipment for cutting or handling materials can reduce the risk of splintering.
  • Inspect Materials: Before using wood or other materials, check for any splinters or rough edges. Sanding or smoothing materials can help prevent splinters from forming.
  • Be Cautious With Sharp Objects: Handle sharp objects with care and ensure they are stored safely to avoid accidental injury and splintering.
  • Regular Skin Checks: If you work in environments prone to splinters, regularly inspect your skin for any foreign objects that may have entered and address them promptly.
  • Keep Workspaces Clean: Maintain a tidy work area by regularly cleaning up wood shavings, debris, and other materials that can contribute to splintering. A clean workspace can help minimise the risk of splinters.

How To Book A Private GP Appointment?

book online or call us

Use our online booking engine or book your test by giving us a call.

Choose your test type

On the online booking engine select the “appointment type” you need.

meet with our experts

You will be seen by one of our friendly doctors or trained clinicians.

The Procedure

preparing for appointment

Pre-Appointment

To get the help you need, simply call our clinic to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced medical professionals. Our friendly staff will assist you in setting up a convenient time for your visit. We prioritise your health and well-being, so you will not have to wait long for an appointment. Do not attempt to remove the splinter yourself with tweezers or needles, as improper removal can push it in further or cause infection.

during the appointment

Appointment

During your appointment, our healthcare specialist will carefully assess the splinter. This evaluation is essential to determine the type of material, penetration depth, and potential complications, such as infection. We take all necessary precautions to ensure the splinter is identified accurately. The provider will use sterilised tools, such as tweezers or a needle, to carefully remove the splinter. If the splinter is deeply embedded or difficult to remove, they may use a local anaesthetic to numb the area.

post appointment

Post-Appointment

Keep an eye out for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, pain, or pus. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider. Over-the-counter pain relief can be used if you experience discomfort; follow the dosage instructions as needed. Clean the area gently with soap and water. Use an antiseptic ointment to prevent infection and apply a sterile bandage or dressing to protect the area, especially if the splinter was deep or the skin was damaged.

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Your Private GP?

Incorporated
in 1998

Experienced doctors & a professional team.

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Your medical records are kept private at all times.

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Remove Splinters

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What are the complications of a splinter?
If a splinter (usually of wood, glass, or metal) is not completely removed, it may cause infection, inflammation, or a toxicity response. Even once the main, visible piece of the splinter has been removed, small pieces may still remain under the skin.
Will the splinter go away if I wait?
It is best to get a painful splinter dealt with as soon as possible, to avoid invasive removal procedures. A fresh splinter usually has an open injury track through which it can be easily removed. The longer the splinter is present, the more likely the skin will attempt to heal over it, making removal more difficult. If the splinter is small and not painful, it may work itself out on its own.
What are some things to be aware of when removing a splinter?
Clean the area of the splinter with soap and water. Be sure to use clean, sterilised tweezers (use soap and water and alcohol). If you are unable to remove the entire visible splinter, be sure to see a doctor for proper removal.

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