We’ve all been there! When you get a splinter and don’t have a magnifying glass on hand, the seemingly easy task can become impossible. Going in blind with tweezers can actually harm the skin and push the splinter in further. Next time you get a splinter you can’t see, follow these nine DIY home remedies:
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Tape.
First, wash the affected area with soap and water. When dry, apply adhesive tape over the splinter. Gently press down on tape with finger to secure splinter to tape. After 30-45 seconds, pull tape off in one smooth movement. The splinter will come off with the tape.
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Glue.
Elmer’s glue works best if you have it on hand. Apply a drop of glue over the splinter and allow to dry. Peel off the glue, and the splinter will become loose and come out when tugged.
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Baking Soda and Water.
Combine baking soda and water to create a paste. Apply the paste on the affected area to create swelling. Let sit for two to three hours. Remove paste with water, and remove splinter with tweezers.
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Epsom Salt.
Secure Epsom salt on the adhesive side of a band aid, and wrap around the affected area. The salt was cause swelling, and will push the splinter out. Remove with tweezers.
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White Vinegar.
Soak the affected area in a bowl of white vinegar for 30 minutes. The vinegar will help the splinter break through the surface of the skin, making it easy to remove with tweezers.
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Bacon Fat.
Cut small amount of fat off a fatty piece of raw bacon. With a band aid, secure the bacon fat on the affected area. Leave on overnight. The fat will draw the splinter out.
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Hydrogen Peroxide.
Cover the area around the splinter to create inflammation and better visibility. Remove splinter with tweezers.
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Clear Nail Polish.
Every girl will have clear nail polish on hand! Apply the polish over the affected area. Let dry. Peel off polish in opposite direction of the splinter.
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Honey.
Honey will not only draw the splinter out, but it will also soothe the affected area after removal. Apply honey to the affected area and let sit. You can secure the honey with an adhesive band aid to avoid a mess. The honey will draw the splinter out to create better visibility, and you can remove the splinter with tweezers.
If these remedies don’t work or you notice the splinter is becoming infected, please call our office. We would love to help!