I have what I can only imagine to be a splinter in my thumb, only I can’t see it or the hole. Something’s in there that’s causing a little patch of swelling and soreness, exactly what I’d expect from a splinter. But like I said, no hole visible to the naked eye. I’ve heard that using hydrogen peroxide will draw it out so I tried that, but to no avail. Just made a bunch of bubbles. I may try baking soda, but something tells me I’ll have the same results.
So, any ideas short of using four shots of Jack and an exacto knife?
How long has it been there? After a few days, three or four, you can squeeze on the sides and it will pop out. People might tell you this breaks down the cyst that helps keep infection localized but I’ve done it many times with no ill effects.
I know this isn’t a board for medical advice but if this isn’t the time for self-surgery, it never will be. I have gone the exacto knife route (or at least a sharp knife or razor blade) several times. The last times was about a week ago. I had a splinter in my index finger that hurt. I made a small slice and then pushed around for a while. I was thrilled when it jumped right up and the pain was gone. If you don’t have a good pain tolerance or if you are squeamish at all don’t try that type of thing. Needles can work well also especially if you need to find the center of pain.
IAND Proceed at your own risk.
If you have some old time mercurechrome or merthiolate liquid red staining antiseptic apply it liberlally several times and let it dry between applications.
This should penetrate and stain the ‘splinter.’
Soak in hot water with epsom salts per intstruction on carton.
Use a high power magnifier so you can see what you are digging out.
Instert point of tapered point craft knife with sharp edge up.
Insert, with great fortitude, and lift blade upward to open the channel and hopefully remove the splinter.
Apply anti-biotioc ointment and bandage if necessary.
Good luck.