SPLINTER OR SLIVER

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

Symptom Definition

A splinter or sliver is a foreign body (FB) embedded in the skin. Most of these are slivers or splinters of wood. Others are slivers (thin fragments) of glass, metal or plastic. A few are 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.
Pencils contain graphite (harmless), not poisonous lead. Even colored graphite leads are nontoxic. They will cause a tattoo, however, and should be scrubbed out.
If slivers need to be removed in a medical setting, it's better to see them quickly before they become hidden by swelling or pushed in more deeply by the parent or child.

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 8/2004

View Anatomic Index of Topics