Do you have to take a splinter out or will it works it way out on its own?

Question

I have one and I've always had somebody take them out for me because I was told they'd get infected. But then I had somebody tell me they won't get infected and they'll just come out on their own.

Which is true?

Answer 1

Take a sewing needle, disinfect it with alcohol and/or hot water and soap, and you can gently dig the splinter out if it is really bothering you. Wash the area with warm water and soap afterwards and apply peroxide or alcohol to the spot. Should be good as new.

Answer 2

take it out it can have severe germs that can make u very sick

Answer 3

Take them out now, it will infect you.  

Answer 4

I believe it depends on several factors: the size, depth, and location of the splinter.

If it's a small splinter near the surface of your skin, it will probably work itself out. If it's deep there's always the chance it will work itself further in, rather than out. And if it's a large splinter, the size of the puncture wound will make infection more likely than with a small splinter.

Generally speaking, if you can remove the splinter, you should to be safe. If you cannot remove it, wait a day or so and look for signs of redness, swelling, or discharge; if you see signs, go to a doctor to get it removed. If you see no signs, it's not getting infected and you will, in all likelihood, be fine.