Accidents are almost normal while working. When you work barefoot or without gloves, you can step or get hold of sharp objects that can break inside your skin. The splinter is usually painful, and squeezing can lead to skin damage, bleeding, and more pain.
You must remove the splinter for you to get relieved. Using a pair of tweezers or pliers is the most common practice, but it is not always the safest. You may crush the object into smaller pieces, making it hard for you to remove.
Removing Splinter with Baking Soda
Using baking soda is an effective way to remove a splinter from your skin. The compound has properties that dissolve the complex sugars in the wood, making it softer and easier to get out of the skin. It also neutralizes the acidic nature of the flesh to relieve you of the pain when removing the splinter.
You must follow a simple procedure on how to get a splinter out to ensure the wound does not get worse while doing so. Follow these steps to remove splinters effectively using baking soda.
1. Clean the Wound
Cleaning the affected area will help you access the splinter and prevent infection. Wash the area with clean water and soap, then pat it dry using a piece of cotton wool. Be careful not to use soap containing harsh chemicals as they can be too sensitive on the skin and kill the nerves in the wound.
2. Apply an Antiseptic
Applying a topical disinfectant will help you clean the affected area and minimize the chances of infection. You can dab on some antiseptic cream or ointment to kill any bacteria from entering your body. You can also use antibacterial sprays for the same purpose. Wipe off excess moisture around the area with a sterile swab if necessary.
3. Prepare a Baking Soda Paste
You will require baking soda to make a thick paste easy to apply on your skin. To do this, mix a half teaspoon of baking soda in enough hydrogen peroxide until you get a soft paste. You can use alcohol or antiseptic spray as an alternative if you do not have any hydrogen peroxide at hand.
4. Apply Paste onto Splinter Area
Take part of the mixture and coat it over the affected area generously. Cover all sides of the splinter by applying more paste around its edges so that removing them becomes easier after they swell up from moisture exposure. Allow the concoction to stay on there for 20-30 minutes.
You can also apply the soda directly. Dip a cotton bud into baking soda powder, then pat it onto the skin where the splinter is. Apply sufficient powder to cover up all around the wound.
Baking soda is alkaline, making it ideal for neutralizing acidic causes of pain on wounds with splinters.
5. Pull off the Paste
Once settled for long enough, the baking soda will make the skin around the splinter swell and push the splinter out. Once this happens, you can try and slowly peel it off.
If the splinter does not come out wholly, you may use a pair of tweezers to pull it out. However, be extra careful with how you handle it, as not doing so will push it further in, making things worse.
Will It Work For Me?
There is a high possibility baking soda works on almost all types of wood found at homes. Baking soda makes splinter removal easier than most conventional methods by softening the splinter and causing the skin to swell a bit.
Safety Precautions to Observe
Whether you are removing a splinter on your finger or your child’s toe, you must be careful to ensure it does not get deeper or shatter into pieces. If it happens, you will have to go for medical assistance.
First, start by washing your hands thoroughly before handling the wound because any bacteria or dirt on them may only cause more trouble than what you are trying to resolve.
Then, use a clean cloth to wipe the parts around the splinter until no blood appears anymore. A clean wound also makes it easier to see and remove the splinter. You must not squeeze the skin trying to force it out.
When applying the baking soda, avoid using too much pressure. Also, only use a small amount with some water or hydrogen peroxide. The more you add, the harder it will be to get rid of the piece of wood.
Further Steps
If removing the splinter at home fails, consider seeking the attention of your doctor. They will examine the wound and advise if you need surgical methods to remove the splinter. If deeply embedded, a doctor will determine the best way to remove it.
Summary
Having a splinter in your skin is an unpleasant and painful experience. It is advisable to get it out quickly but carefully. If you do not, it can get worse and cause infections, which will make the wound more painful. Using baking soda can be effective for removing the splinter without problems because of its antibacterial properties. It also softens the wood for easier extraction.
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