Splinters

The most common home remedy for splinters or slivers is also the most simple. Sterilize the point of a needle by boiling, immersion in isopropyl alcohol or bleach, then rinse well, and dry on sterile gauze. Use the needle to gently work the splinter out. Once the splinter is out, wash thoroughly with warm water and anti-bacterial soap, apply an antibiotic ointment or a natural antiseptic such as tea tree oil. If the splinter is too large or imbedded too deeply, you may need to consult a medical care professional for help removing the splinter.

Do not squeeze the skin around a splinter. Squeezing will only force the sliver more deeply into the skin, and cause further damage. Do clean any blood or dirt from the area prior to attempting to remove the splinter. Use only sterilized tools when removing a splinter. If the splinter is protruding from the skin, use sterilized tweezers to grasp it, and swiftly pull it from the skin. Pulling slowly only prolongs the pain. Look closely, with a magnifying glass, if necessary, to be certain no remnants of the splinter remain in the skin, boil the area where the splinter was imbedded in the skin with 3% hydrogen peroxide, rinse when the bubbling stops, and check again to assure no bits of splinter remain. Apply antibiotic ointment or antiseptic and cover to keep dirt out of the wound.

Home Remedies for Splinters:

Tape:

If someone has many tiny, tiny splinters in their skin (from sliding a wooden object across the skin) it can be time consuming and painful to remove them all with a needle or tweezers. Wash the area carefully, and apply warmth to the area to open the pores. Then, when completely dry, apply duct tape to the skin, as securely as possible, without causing undue pain. Let it sit for two or three minutes, and then, in one smooth, swift movement, remove the tape. This should pull out most of the splinters.

Chickweed:

Chickweed Ointments made with Stellaria media, are used to draw boils and splinters. The plant softens the skin and speeds healing. To make your own ointment, melt one cup petroleum jelly in a double boiler. Stir in two tablespoons chopped herb and heat for two hours or until the chickweed is crisp. Strain through a cheesecloth, let cool, and then apply. Store this in a glass jar.

Plantain:

Plantain contains all the ideal elements for treating splinters, such as softening mucilage, astringent tannins, and antibacterial agents. To make a plantain poultice, soak chopped dried plantain leaves in a little water. Place over the affected area. Replace every two to four hours, until the splinters come to the surface of the skin for easy removal.