To get out a deep splinter, first wash your hands and the skin around it with soap and water, then soak the area in warm water for 10–15 minutes to soften the skin. If the tip becomes visible, use sterilized tweezers to pull it out in the same direction it entered, then clean, dry, and bandage the area.

Safer steps

  1. Wash the area well with soap and water.
  1. Soak it in warm water to help the splinter move closer to the surface.
  1. Sterilize tweezers and, if needed, a needle with rubbing alcohol.
  1. Gently lift just enough skin to expose the end, then grip and remove the splinter straight out.
  1. Clean the area again and cover it with a dressing.

Don’t do this

  • Don’t dig deeply or cut aggressively, because that can push it in farther or raise infection risk.
  • Don’t try to remove anything from the eye on your own.
  • Don’t keep poking if the splinter is too deep to grasp.

Get medical help

Seek care if the splinter is very deep, breaks apart, is under a nail, is near the eye, or if you notice redness, swelling, worsening pain, pus, warmth, fever, or other signs of infection.

A useful rule of thumb: if you can’t clearly see and grab the end after soaking, it’s usually safer to stop and get it removed professionally.