Splinter removal
Some small splinters can be removed immediately at home.* However, there are many types of splinters, such as glass or porcupine quills, that should be removed by a health care provider to avoid infection.
When a splinter can’t be seen, it may require a higher level of care, such as excision, radiology or surgery. A MinuteClinic® provider will refer to another health care provider if this is the case.
Find care
Services are available at MinuteClinic (virtual care also available)
Insurance and pricing
Most insurance accepted. Check your coverage or estimate the cost of your visit if you’re uninsured or prefer to pay out-of-pocket.
Looking for information about removing splinters? We have you covered.
Why should splinters be removed?
Splinter injuries are common, but that does not mean that splinters are easy to remove. Large, deep splinters can be difficult to get out and may break apart in or under your skin. If you do not have the right tools, you may also cause more injury or an infection when trying to remove a splinter.
Getting help
A MinuteClinic provider can determine the type and severity of the splinter and provide a tetanus booster or antibiotics, as needed. They can also help if you’ve tried to remove a splinter yourself. If the MinuteClinic provider can’t remove the splinter, they’ll refer you to another health care provider.
- You may have to answer a few questions about symptoms to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment.
Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment:
If you made your appointment online:
Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.If you made your appointment in the clinic:
Sign in at the electronic kiosk.- When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
- Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
- At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.
Frequently asked questions
A splinter can be caused by any material that gets into your skin and underlying soft tissues:
- Animal spines like porcupine quills
- Glass
- Metal
- Plant spines like cactus needles or rose thorns
- Plastic
- Wood
Wood splinters are difficult to remove because they have uneven edges that get stuck in your skin. If all parts of a splinter are not removed, the remaining pieces can cause infection, swelling, toxic reactions and other problems.
Plant and animal spines, in particular, can cause serious toxic reactions. Some actually contain poison. Some, like porcupine quills, can continue to work their way deeper into your skin even after the injury has occurred.
Larger splinters and splinters from fragile materials can be harder to get out completely because they can break apart. When splinters break apart, it can be difficult to know if everything has been removed or not. Some signs a splinter has not been completely removed include the following:
- A wound that will not heal
- Discolored skin
- Ongoing swelling
- Pain when pressing on the affected area of skin
- Pain with movement
- Pus
- Recurrent infection
IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ: This material is for reference only and should not be used to determine treatment for specific medical conditions. Please visit a health care provider for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of any symptoms you may be experiencing. If you're experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911 or visit your local emergency department.
REFERENCES USED AS SOURCES FOR THIS PAGE:
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*FOR REMOVED IMMEDIATELY AT HOME SOURCE: Chan C and Salam GA. Splinter removal. American Family Physician. 2003;67(12):2557-2562.