Splinter removal

1. You may have to answer a few questions about symptoms to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment.

2. 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.

   If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care® appointment:
   To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth and zip code to join the visit.

3. When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
4. 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.
5. 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.

Most people think of wood when they think of a splinter, but splinters can be caused by any material that gets into your skin and underlying soft tissues. Other types of splinters include:

• Glass
• Metal
• Plant and animal spines such as cactus needles and porcupine quills
• Plastic
• Thorns

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 swelling, infection, toxic reactions and other problems.

Plant and animal spines, in particular, can cause serious toxic reactions. Some actually contain poison. Others, like porcupine quills, can continue to work their way deeper into your skin even after the injury has occurred.

Some small splinters are easy to remove. Large 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 cleaned or not. Some signs a splinter has not been completely removed include:

• 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

MinuteClinic providers can determine the type and severity of splinter and provide a tetanus booster or antibiotics as needed. Having a professional remove your splinter can mean a faster recovery. They can also help if you’ve tried to remove a splinter yourself. If your MinuteClinic provider cannot remove your splinter, you’ll be directed to another health care provider.