Splinters are a common childhood injury, especially when kids run around barefoot or play with wooden toys, fences, or plants. While most splinters are small and harmless, they can still be painful and cause discomfort. As a parent, it's natural to want to remove the splinter quickly and safely. Understanding how to spot a splinter, remove it correctly, and know when to get medical help can help you stay calm and handle the situation with care.
At AFC Urgent Care Waltham, our walk-in clinic is open 7 days a week to provide rapid medical care for minor injuries like splinters. We treat patients of all ages, and never require you to schedule an appointment in advance. Simply walk into the clinic, or save your spot online in advance below.
How to Correctly Remove a Splinter?
If you notice a splinter on the surface of your child’s skin, don’t panic. Removing a splinter at home is usually simple if the object is close to the surface and easy to see.
Here's what you should do:
- Wash your hands and the area
- Use sterilized tweezers
- Gently pull out the splinter
- Use a needle if necessary
- Clean again and apply a bandage
Avoid digging too much, especially if your child is upset or the splinter is deeply embedded. If you cannot easily remove the splinter, you may need to visit urgent care to ensure that the entire splinter is able to be removed without complication.
When Should I Take My Child to Urgent Care for a Splinter?
In most cases, splinters can be easily removed at home with a little gentle coercion. However, there are some cases when you should leave a splinter to a medical professional, including if:
- The splinter is deep, large, or stuck in a sensitive area like the eye or under a fingernail
- Your child is in too much pain to let you touch the area
- There's increased redness, swelling, or pus, which could mean an infection
- The splinter is made of glass, metal, or other materials that may break or cause complications
- Your child hasn't had a tetanus shot in the last 5 - 10 years
Signs of Infection to Watch For After Removing a Splinter
While most splinters are minor, some can cause infections or complications if left untreated. If you're unsure or if the splinter is completely removed, monitor it for signs of an infection forming. Signs of an infection may include increased redness or swelling around the area, fluid or pus draining from the area, or your child developing a fever. If you notice these symptoms, be sure to seek urgent medical care for treatment.
Visit AFC Waltham for Same-Day Injury Treatment All Summer Long
If your child has a splinter, it is important to assess the situation and understand when to seek medical care. If the splinter is too difficult to remove or is showing signs of an infection, you should bring your child to urgent care for treatment. At AFC Urgent Care Waltham, our board-certified medical providers are equipped to provide treatment for minor injuries like splinters. We accept patients of all ages, and never require you to schedule an appointment in advance to receive prompt same-day care.
At AFC Waltham, our medical staff is able to help remove splinters in a sterile environment, which reduces the risk of infection forming. We work with most medical insurance providers, and offer competitive rates for self-paying patients. To learn more, walk into the clinic, or give us a call at (781) 894-6900.
