How to Remove the Splinter Under Your Toenail

You don't have to take off to the Emergency Room because you need to remove the splinter under your toenail. It may be painful; however there are a few things you can do to take it out easily without a lot of pain and not spending any money. Some things you will need to remove the splinter under your toenail are a decent set of tweezers, a room with bright light, toenail clippers and some ibuprofen.

The first step to take is to remember not to panic. I am sure that you have already tried several different things to remove the splinter that probably didn't work before turning to this article for help. Therefore, remember next time that you need to remove a splinter that there is no need to panic. All you need to do is pull at the splinter (unless there is enough of it showing to get hold of it).

The next thing for you to do is take something for the pain. Be sure to read the label on the ibuprofen bottle and take the correct dosage. This will help to minimize the swelling and possibly make it even easier for you to remove the splinter.

Now when you have finally decided to remove the splinter, make sure that you have a good set of tweezers and your fingernail clippers. Using a knife, your fingernails, a needle or any other device is not recommended. If you don't have any, it is worth the wait to get to the pharmacy and spend a good $10 on a decent set of tweezers.

The next step is to make sure you have appropriate lighting. The lighting should be rather bright so you can see to remove the splinter.

After you have completed the previous steps, you are ready to begin removing the splinter. You should do this by taking your fingernail or toenail clippers and clipping the nail around the splinter as far as back as you can. This will leave the nail above the splinter there, granting you easier access to remove the splinter. Rather than clipping that piece of nail off, rip it off by pulling it across your nail.

Now that you have good access to the splinter, it is time to begin to remove the splinter. Start by getting out your tweezers. By clipping the nail down as far as you can, you should now be able to see the splinter well. Now take your tweezers and open them as wide as you can. Angle them so they are on each side of the splinter. Get them as far under your nail as possible.

Then you should take get as close to the splinter as possible with the tweezers and try to remove the splinter. Keep trying at it as long as you are not ripping pieces of the splinter off. If this is the case, you should get a sterilized needle or go buy tweezers of better quality. Once you have done this, try to get at the splinter in a better position.

If the previous step didn't work, get some wood glue or Elmer's glue and put a small portion of the glue on the tip of the splinter. Wait for the splinter to soak and harden. When it has hardened, peel off the glue and pull it directly out. The glue may remove the splinter with it.

If none of these things are working to remove the splinter, take a trip to your local drug store. Purchase a drawing salve called Ichthammol. Apply a good portion of the drawing salve on the front of your nail, close to the splinter. Then wrap your toe up with a band-aid. Now you will need to wait one day. On the next day, take the band-aid off. This should cause the splinter to loosen enough that you can pull it out with ease. Remember that Ichthammol has a tar like smell, like the smell of a new tar road. However, this may work.

If none of the above steps have worked to remove the splinter, remember not to panic. You now have two options. You can let the skin heal on its own and when the toenail grows out, the splinter will come out with it or you can take a trip to the Emergency Room if the pain is unbearable.

Finally, to remove the splinter, place your foot in very cold water for around 20 minutes. This will cause your skin to numb up a bit and it will soften the splinter.

Here are some tips that may help assist you when you remove the splinter under your toenail.

When you remove the splinter under your toenail get yourself a good pair of tweezers for your First Aid kit. If you have a pair that is not that great, dispose of those and replace them. Tweezers aren't just for pulling out those unwanted hairs. They are very valuable in many situations.

Be sure to sterilize any equipment you are going to use in Isopropyl Alcohol for at least 5 minutes. You want to do this because any of this equipment can be used to break the skin. You don't want to add extra bacteria and cause an infection.

Don't ask someone else to remove the splinter under your toenail. They cannot feel your pain.

Apply a small amount of Ambisol to the affected toe. This will numb the toe temporarily and will help you to remove the splinter under your toenail.

Here are some things to keep in mind before you remove the splinter under your toenail.

If the splinter has metal or is in too deep, then don't try to get it out on your own. Seek the help of a medical professional so there won't be any complications.

When you go to remove the splinter under your toenail, if the splinter is causing a great deal of pain, do not continue to try to get it out. This is like doing a medical procedure and you should seek the help of a medical professional.

If the area around the splinter becomes infected or starts bleeding and won't stop in a few minutes time, seek the advice of a medical professional.

You may feel the need to call 911. However, when you remove the splinter under your toenail, it is not generally an emergency type situation. Contact someone in your area for help with non emergency resources for your medical needs.

You don't need a PhD to remove the splinter from under your toenail. Just remember that it takes patience, a good set of tweezers and maybe some Elmer's glue. Take your time and if all else fails, seek the advice of a medical professional.