Splinter under nail

[altis]

I've had a chunk of splinter under the corner of a nail since Wednesday. There's nothing sticking out to grab hold of.

Any brilliant (and not too painful) suggestions?

[smicer07]

Chop your hand off. Worked for me.

[altis]

Brilliant - just what I need!

[Cobbydaler]

Can you cut a notch out of your nail to help you reach it?

[Ramrod]

Disinfect a thin sharp needle and see if you can carefully tease out the splinter to the point that you can grab it with tweezers...

[Jon T]

Disinfect a thin sharp needle and see if you can carefully tease out the splinter to the point that you can grab it with tweezers...

seconded

[TheNorm]

Just leave it alone, it will eventually come out by itself. Unless of course the area gets inflamed, then go see your GP.

[altis]

Just sorted it!

I'm at work at the moment so I have the resources of an illuminated magnifying glass and some tiny wire cutters. Anyway, I managed to clip away at the nail so that I could get at one piece and pull. Lots more clipping later and the rest of wiggled its own way free. Loads of puss so it must have been quite infected - even though I've been drowning it in TCP.

Now I can't find any anticeptic at work. Ho Hum!

[homealone]

Just sorted it!

I'm at work at the moment so I have the resources of an illuminated magnifying glass and some tiny wire cutters. Anyway, I managed to clip away at the nail so that I could get at one piece and pull. Lots more clipping later and the rest of wiggled its own way free. Loads of puss so it must have been quite infected - even though I've been drowning it in TCP.

Now I can't find any anticeptic at work. Ho Hum!

sounds painful - some pure alcohol should be ok as an antiseptic if you have some (ethanol or isopropanol, for example) - but it might sting a bit :dozey:

[altis]

Great idea!

I've just put some IPA cleaning solvent on it. It sure stings now!

[homealone]

Great idea!

I've just put some IPA cleaning solvent on it. It sure stings now!

ouch, I bet it does - main thing now is to keep it clean & dry, if you do use any kind of dressing make sure lots of air can get to the area :)

[Jon T]

Also make sure your up to date your tentanus jabs.

[greencreeper]

IPA can dry skin. The pussyness should clear up quickly. My toes were really manky until the nails were ripped off. Cleared up fairly quickly afterwards - no source of infection (i.e. nail). Guess it'll be the same with the splinter.

[Ramrod]

Glad you got it out :tu: :)