Splinter: Difference between revisions
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{{SI}} | |||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Splinter | |||
| image = [[File:Splinter.jpg]] | |||
| caption = A splinter embedded in the skin | |||
| field = [[Emergency medicine]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Pain]], [[redness]], [[swelling]] | |||
| complications = [[Infection]], [[abscess]] | |||
| onset = Immediate | |||
| duration = Varies | |||
| causes = [[Foreign body]] penetration | |||
| risks = [[Wood]], [[metal]], [[glass]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Physical examination]] | |||
| differential = [[Insect bite]], [[skin lesion]] | |||
| prevention = Wearing [[protective gloves]], [[footwear]] | |||
| treatment = Removal with [[tweezers]], [[needle]] | |||
| medication = [[Antibiotics]] if infected | |||
| prognosis = Good with proper removal | |||
| frequency = Common | |||
}} | |||
[[File:Sea_Urchins_enjoying_sunbathing.jpg|Sea Urchins enjoying sunbathing|thumb|left]] | |||
[[File:Anatomy_The_Skin_-_NCI_Visuals_Online.jpg|Anatomy of the Skin|thumb]] | |||
[[File:ForeignBody_Ultras_1.png|Foreign Body Ultrasound|thumb|left]] | |||
A '''[[splinter]]''' is a fragment of a larger object, or a foreign body that penetrates or is inserted into the body. Splinters can cause initial discomfort or pain, especially if they are located in sensitive areas. The body may respond to the presence of splinters with inflammation or infection. | A '''[[splinter]]''' is a fragment of a larger object, or a foreign body that penetrates or is inserted into the body. Splinters can cause initial discomfort or pain, especially if they are located in sensitive areas. The body may respond to the presence of splinters with inflammation or infection. | ||
==Types of Splinters== | ==Types of Splinters== | ||
Splinters can be composed of various materials such as: | Splinters can be composed of various materials such as: | ||
* '''[[Wood]]''' - This is the most common type of splinter. Wood splinters can be caused by handling rough wood without proper protection. | * '''[[Wood]]''' - This is the most common type of splinter. Wood splinters can be caused by handling rough wood without proper protection. | ||
* '''[[Metal]]''' - Metal splinters can occur in occupations involving the handling of metal materials, such as welding or metalworking. | * '''[[Metal]]''' - Metal splinters can occur in occupations involving the handling of metal materials, such as welding or metalworking. | ||
* '''[[Glass]]''' - Glass splinters can occur when handling broken glass or in accidents involving glass. | * '''[[Glass]]''' - Glass splinters can occur when handling broken glass or in accidents involving glass. | ||
* '''[[Plastic]]''' - Plastic splinters can occur when handling certain types of plastic materials, especially when they are broken or damaged. | * '''[[Plastic]]''' - Plastic splinters can occur when handling certain types of plastic materials, especially when they are broken or damaged. | ||
==Symptoms== | ==Symptoms== | ||
The symptoms of a splinter include: | The symptoms of a splinter include: | ||
* '''[[Pain]]''' - This is usually the first symptom of a splinter. The pain is often sharp and increases when pressure is applied to the area. | * '''[[Pain]]''' - This is usually the first symptom of a splinter. The pain is often sharp and increases when pressure is applied to the area. | ||
* '''[[Redness]]''' - The area around the splinter may become red and inflamed. | * '''[[Redness]]''' - The area around the splinter may become red and inflamed. | ||
* '''[[Swelling]]''' - Swelling may occur around the area of the splinter. | * '''[[Swelling]]''' - Swelling may occur around the area of the splinter. | ||
* '''[[Infection]]''' - If the splinter is not removed, it can lead to an infection. Signs of infection include increased pain, pus, and fever. | * '''[[Infection]]''' - If the splinter is not removed, it can lead to an infection. Signs of infection include increased pain, pus, and fever. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Treatment for a splinter involves its removal. This can often be done at home using tweezers and a needle. However, if the splinter is deep, in a sensitive area, or if there are signs of infection, medical attention should be sought. | Treatment for a splinter involves its removal. This can often be done at home using tweezers and a needle. However, if the splinter is deep, in a sensitive area, or if there are signs of infection, medical attention should be sought. | ||
==Prevention== | ==Prevention== | ||
Prevention of splinters primarily involves the use of protective equipment when handling materials that can cause splinters. | Prevention of splinters primarily involves the use of protective equipment when handling materials that can cause splinters. | ||
==See Also== | ==See Also== | ||
* [[First Aid]] | * [[First Aid]] | ||
* [[Inflammation]] | * [[Inflammation]] | ||
* [[Infection]] | * [[Infection]] | ||
[[Category:Medical conditions]] | [[Category:Medical conditions]] | ||
[[Category:Injuries]] | [[Category:Injuries]] | ||
[[Category:First Aid]] | [[Category:First Aid]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 09:04, 13 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Splinter | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Pain, redness, swelling |
| Complications | Infection, abscess |
| Onset | Immediate |
| Duration | Varies |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Foreign body penetration |
| Risks | Wood, metal, glass |
| Diagnosis | Physical examination |
| Differential diagnosis | Insect bite, skin lesion |
| Prevention | Wearing protective gloves, footwear |
| Treatment | Removal with tweezers, needle |
| Medication | Antibiotics if infected |
| Prognosis | Good with proper removal |
| Frequency | Common |
| Deaths | N/A |



A splinter is a fragment of a larger object, or a foreign body that penetrates or is inserted into the body. Splinters can cause initial discomfort or pain, especially if they are located in sensitive areas. The body may respond to the presence of splinters with inflammation or infection.
Types of Splinters[edit]
Splinters can be composed of various materials such as:
- Wood - This is the most common type of splinter. Wood splinters can be caused by handling rough wood without proper protection.
- Metal - Metal splinters can occur in occupations involving the handling of metal materials, such as welding or metalworking.
- Glass - Glass splinters can occur when handling broken glass or in accidents involving glass.
- Plastic - Plastic splinters can occur when handling certain types of plastic materials, especially when they are broken or damaged.
Symptoms[edit]
The symptoms of a splinter include:
- Pain - This is usually the first symptom of a splinter. The pain is often sharp and increases when pressure is applied to the area.
- Redness - The area around the splinter may become red and inflamed.
- Swelling - Swelling may occur around the area of the splinter.
- Infection - If the splinter is not removed, it can lead to an infection. Signs of infection include increased pain, pus, and fever.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for a splinter involves its removal. This can often be done at home using tweezers and a needle. However, if the splinter is deep, in a sensitive area, or if there are signs of infection, medical attention should be sought.
Prevention[edit]
Prevention of splinters primarily involves the use of protective equipment when handling materials that can cause splinters.



