Title says it all. I have something in a soft part of my thumb that doesn’t want to surface. How do I get rid of it?
Possibly a micrcoscopic cactus spine or maybe a metal thing.
Get a sharp x-acto knife, tweezers and some rubbing alcohol for disinfection purposes. However, if DIY surgery scares you, leave it alone and your body will take care of it.
I’ve always wondered about that. How exactly does your body take care of it?
Usually by surrounding it with scar tissue, and sometimes by extruding it over time (ever hear stories of pieces of shrapnel emerging from old wounds?).
Of course, sometimes it doesn’t work and you end up with sepsis setting in.
When you say “something”, what are we talking about? A splinter? If it’s sticking above the skin’s surface, try using tweezers or strong sticky tape. If it’s buried just below the surface, try abrading the skin with a clean pumice stone, or using a sterilised needle to dig it out.
If it’s deeper than that, I’d see a doctor.
If its metal, go have an MRI:D
How about a poultice?
This article doesn’t cover a sliver but I have heard of them used for such.
if it is a long splinter of wood run in straight then a safety pin or needle can grab the end and pull it out.
A quick trip to the doctors will sort it. Although sometimes they work themselves out on their own. I had a thorn reappear about a year after it went in.
I have had good luck soaking in warm water for a long time. Epsom salts may or may not add to effect. (I think it does, but if someone were to call me on it, I could only provide anecdotal evidence.)
It’s probably an Osler’s node*, and if it is you can ignore the other medical advice given above.
*My oblique way of saying that even well-intentioned advice for patients you can’t see is not a very good idea.
Good point. Only a medical professional who has seen the OP in person can give a factual response to the question. I’m going to close this.
Colibri
General Questions Moderator