SPLINTER OR SLIVER

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Injury Definition

A splinter or sliver (thin fragment) is a foreign body (FB) embedded in the skin. Most commonly, splinters or slivers are made of wood. Sometimes they may be glass, metal or plastic. This definition also includes thorns or cactus needles.
Most slivers are in the superficial skin and do not cause much pain. Deep or perpendicular slivers are painful to pressure.

General Information

Pencil lead is actually graphite (harmless), not poisonous lead. Even colored leads are nontoxic. They will cause a tattoo, however, and should be scrubbed out.
Organic slivers (e.g. wood or thorns) usually become infected if they are not removed. Non-organic slivers (e.g. metal or glass) generally do not become infected.
If slivers need to be removed in a medical setting, it's better to do so quickly before they become hidden by swelling or are pushed in more deeply. Also, the physician can numb the area before removal.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2003

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