Wash your hands with soap and water.
Clean the area around the splinter with soap and water.
Soak the skin in warm water for 10–20 minutes if possible.
Use clean tweezers to grasp the splinter as close to the skin as possible.
Pull the splinter out in the same direction it entered.
If the splinter is under the skin and the tip is not visible, use a sterilized needle to gently lift just the tip.
Sterilize the needle and tweezers with rubbing alcohol (or boil if instructions permit) and let them cool.
If needed, use a magnifying glass or bright light to improve visibility.
After removal, wash the area again with soap and water.
Apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly.
Cover with a clean bandage or gauze.
Keep the area clean and change the bandage daily.
Get medical care if the splinter is deep, large, embedded, or won’t come out easily.
Get medical care urgently if it’s near the eye, involves metal/chemicals, you have severe pain, or you can’t remove it after a couple attempts.
Get medical care if signs of infection appear: increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus, red streaks, fever, or worsening pain.
Avoid digging, cutting, or repeatedly trying to remove it if it’s not coming out.