Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Spanish version
Foreign Body in Skin (Slivers)
DESCRIPTION
A foreign object has become embedded in the skin. Most of
these are wood slivers (splinters) that go in just very
slightly under the skin.
If the sliver is a piece of pencil lead, remember that what
is called "pencil lead" is not really lead. It is actually
graphite, which is harmless. Even colored pencil leads are
nontoxic.
HOME CARE
- Removing slivers
Most slivers can be removed with a needle and tweezers.
These items can be sterilized with alcohol or a flame.
The skin surrounding the sliver should also be washed
with soap before you try to remove the sliver. Use the
needle to expose fully the end of the sliver. Then
grasp the sliver firmly with the tweezers and pull it
out at the same angle that it went in. Getting a good
grip the first time is especially important with slivers
that go in perpendicular to the skin or those trapped
under a fingernail.
A superficial horizontal sliver (where you can see all
of it) can be removed by opening the skin along the
length of the sliver and flicking it out. If
superficial slivers are numerous and pain-free, they can
be left in. Eventually they will come out with normal
shedding of the skin.
- Cactus spines
Usually cactus spines break when pressure is applied
with tweezers. The following method can be used for
removing cactus spines, as well as small fiberglass
spicules or plant stickers (for example, stinging
nettle): Apply a layer of facial gel or wax depilatory
(hair remover). Let it air-dry for 5 minutes, or speed
up the process with a hair dryer. Then peel off the gel
or wax with the spicules. You can also try white glue,
but it is less effective.
CALL YOUR CHILD'S PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY IF:
- You think you won't be able to get the sliver out, or you
can't get it out.
- The sliver is deeply embedded (for example, a needle in
the foot).
- The area where the sliver went in becomes infected.
CALL YOUR CHILD'S PHYSICIAN DURING OFFICE HOURS IF:
- It was removed but went deeply through the skin (a
puncture wound) AND more than 5 years have passed since
the last tetanus booster.
- You have other concerns or questions.
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