Wash your hands with soap and water.
Clean the area with soap and water; pat dry.
Soak the area in warm water for 10–15 minutes to soften the skin.
If the splinter is on the surface, use clean tweezers to grasp it firmly and pull it out in the same direction it entered.
If it’s under the skin near the surface, use a sterilized needle to gently lift the splinter tip, then remove with tweezers.
Sterilize tools with rubbing alcohol or by boiling for 5–10 minutes, then cool.
Apply gentle pressure around the area to help the splinter come out if needed.
If a splinter is deeply embedded or difficult to remove, seek medical care.
Stop if you can’t remove it after a few attempts or if you feel significant pain.
After removal, wash the area with soap and water.
Apply an antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly.
Cover with a clean bandage.
Monitor for redness, swelling, warmth, increasing pain, pus, red streaks, fever, or worsening symptoms.
Get urgent care if the splinter is in the eye, under a fingernail that won’t lift, deeply embedded, caused by an animal/human bite, contaminated with dirt/rust, or involves trouble moving the area.
Tetanus shot may be needed if you’re not up to date.