Wash your hands with soap and water
Clean the area and the sliver with rubbing alcohol or antiseptic
Soak the finger in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes to soften the skin
Use sterilized tweezers if part of the sliver is visible
Gently pull the sliver out in the same direction it entered
Use a sterilized needle to lift the skin only if the sliver is just under the surface and visible
Do not dig deeply under the nail
If the sliver is under the nail edge, trim only the loose nail if needed
Wash the area again after removal
Apply antibiotic ointment if available
Cover with a clean bandage
Seek medical help if the sliver is deep, broken, painful, or cannot be removed
Seek medical help if there is redness, swelling, pus, fever, or worsening pain
Get a tetanus shot if your vaccination is not up to date