Big Splinter in for a few months..what to do...?

Question

Heres one for you...

A few months back I was dragging a decking board out and a rather large splinter go into my finger. After many naughty words I looker down to see a .5cm wide piece of wood sticking out of my finger. Thought about hospital and then thought that was a bit girly, so I gritted my teeth and pulled the wood out.

A few more naughty words later, all seamed fine and dandy. But then a couple of weeks ago I felt a splinter type feeling in the same place, and realized I'd not got the whole thing out. Then tonight I have found the other end!!

The object in my finger is about 1cm across and a couple of mm wide.

Now there is no pain, unless I catch it, but I'm sure that having a piece of pressure treated Wood in my finger is not good long term. Oh and where the splinter went in is well healed up, so no chance of getting it out on my ownsome..

Should I just leave where is and see if the old body breaks it down, or do I need it out ASAP???

Cheers

Answer 1

a splinter is also known as a foreign body whilst in the skin, the risk of leaving it there is infection or worse, something this simple has been known to cause the finger to reject the foreign object and in the worse case scenario, amputation has been known. either go to your dr, or the nearest a&e, where they will lance the skin and remove the piece of wood.

Answer 2

you are right, you do not want that in there, get off to the doctor's and get it removed.  You may also be prescribed an antibiotic.  There's nothing "girly" about taking good care of yourself.  Good luck!

Answer 3

Doctor, now. nothing is girly about going to the doctor its smarter and safer =]

Answer 4

Topical anesthetic, and cut it out. Rinse and disinfect the wound, and secure it with a bandage. Alternately, you can get a doctor to do it, if money's not an issue. Less risk of scarring and infection that way.

Answer 5

Oh EWWW. yes definitely go see a doctor right away. Don't even try to take it out yourself it the wound is already healed around it. That will just cause further injury.

Answer 6

apply some Oil of Oregano to reduce the infections.