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Splinters
WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
A splinter stuck under the skin can be painful and may
become infected, whether it's stuck just under the skin or deep
beneath the surface. The problem is known medically as a soft
tissue foreign body.
Causes
The trouble can be caused by a
wood splinter, a sliver of metal or glass, a thorn, or any
other small object that lodges beneath the skin.
Signs/Symptoms
There will be an opening in the
skin where the object entered. The splinter itself may or may
not be visible. The area may bleed, bruise, swell, or cause
pain. It may remain sore for 2 to 3 days after the object is
removed.
Care
The most important part of your
care is to get the object out. If it is not visible, your
doctor may order an x-ray to locate it. For a foreign body very
deep under your skin, numbing medicine may have to be applied
to the area before the object is removed. A deep cut may be
required to reach the object; and you will need to care for
this wound as outlined below. Your doctor may give you a
tetanus shot if you have not had one in the past 5 to 10 years.
You may also need to take antibiotic medicine to prevent
infection in the wound.
WHAT YOU SHOULD
DO
-
Keep the wound dry for 24
hours.
-
Keep the bandage covering the
wound clean and dry. If the bandage gets wet and must be
changed, unwrap it slowly and carefully. If it sticks or
starts to hurt, use warm water to loosen it gently. Pat the
area dry with a clean towel before putting on another
bandage.
-
If possible, keep the injury
raised during the first 1 to 2 days to reduce pain and
swelling and promote healing.
-
Clean the wound gently 3 to 4
times a day:
-
Use soap and water or a
cotton-tipped swab dipped in a mixture of half water and
half hydrogen peroxide.
-
You may also keep the wound
clean by soaking it 3 to 4 times a day in clean, warm
water.
-
If your doctor puts small
strips of tape across the wound, you'll be told when to
remove them. It's all right if they fall off by themselves
after a few days.
-
If you are given a tetanus
shot, your arm may get swollen, red, and warm to the touch
at the site of the shot. This is a normal response to the
medicine.
-
If your doctor has prescribed
antibiotics, keep taking them until they are all gone. If
you stop taking them too soon, an infection could still
develop.
Call Your Doctor
If...
-
You have a high
temperature.
-
More and more blood is coming
from the wound.
-
You have any signs of
infection (redness, swelling, pus, a bad smell, or red
streaks leading from the wound).
-
You develop a rash, itching,
or swelling after taking your antibiotic.
-
You have pain or numbness in
the injured area that gets worse and won't go
away.
Seek Care Immediately
If...
-
You develop swelling, have
trouble breathing, or feel as if your throat is closing
after taking your medicine.
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