Overview
Splinters are common, especially in kids who often like to touch everything that they see or walk around barefoot, which does make it more common for kids to get these.
Wooden splinters are common, but so are other foreign objects that children can get under the skin. These objects include:
- Fish hooks
- Glass
Splinters are common, especially in kids who often like to touch everything that they see or walk around barefoot, which does make it more common for kids to get these. - Thorns
- Cactus spines
- Gravel
- BB gun pellets
- Graphite pencils
Causes of Splinters
- Handling an item might cause a tiny portion to dislodge as the individual applies resistance to that item (instances would be metalworking, woodworking, or slipping on wood floorboards).
- The thorns and bristles of plants might cause splinters to become wedged in the skin while working in the garden
- Butchers might get tiny splinters of bone piercing their skin
Removing Splinters
Splinters need to be removed when they are seen. Even if the splinter is not causing pain, the splinter can cause inflammation. In addition, these splinters can lead to infection as well. It may seem easy to remove the splinter, but this is often easier said than done. There are cases in which a child may need to see a paediatrician, such as:
- You are not able to get this splinter out quickly, and if you are dealing with a younger child who may not tolerate you trying to get this splinter out
- The splinter is emerged underneath the skin
- There is a lot of bleeding caused by the splinter
- After the splinter is removed there is still pain
- The area in which the splinter was removed becomes red and inflamed as though there is infection present
Always use sterile instruments and techniques when you are removing a splinter. Including washing your hands, washing the hands of the child and the like. You are going to want to ensure that the child can tolerate some pain, as this can be painful for a child.
Preventing Splinters
The goal of most parents is to prevent their child from getting a splinter, as these can be hard to remove. In order to do this, follow these tips:
- The child should wear socks and shoes to prevent these in the feet, even when they are in the home
- Crocs or sandals can still allow splinters to enter into the foot, so be sure that shoes are real shoes
- Look at wooden decks or playground equipment for deterioration to ensure that splinters are not going to be an issue. You will want to fix those problem areas
- Clean up broken glass in areas in which the kids may be
- Always wear gloves when working out in the garden or carrying wood
- Avoid playing with items like BB guns and the like without an adult present