When should I see a doctor about a splinter?

You don’t need to. You can take it out yourself, as they can lead to infection.

What to do about a splinter

1. Wash your hands, then the area around the splinter with soap and warm water.

2. If the splinter is sticking through the skin, firmly grip the end with the tweezers. Pull slowly and gently at the same angle the splinter went in so it won’t break.

3. If the tip of the splinter is not sticking out, gently scrape the skin away from the splinter with the needle until there’s an end to grab with the tweezers.

4. After the splinter is removed, wash the area again and cover it with a plaster if necessary.