Splinter - what doctor?

So yesterday somehow I got a splinter lodged in my finger - right in the corner under my nail. Needless to say, an hour with the tweezers and cutting skin back last night didnt do anything.

This morning it hurts and is bright red. I guess it is getting infected. I'm going to try soaking it tonight but if that doesnt work I'm thinking a dr's visit might be in order if it keeps on hurting and is still red.

Do you think my PCP/internist could get this out? If not, which doctor? I'd hate to sit in the ER for hours for them to numb and cut up my finger...

Re: Splinter - what doctor?

I'd call your PCP's office. I'd bet your PCP can help. If not, they'll tell you where to go / what to do.

Have you tried soaking it for a while before trying to get it out?

Re: Splinter - what doctor?

I've also heard vaseline draws it out.

Re: Splinter - what doctor?

Thanks.

I didn't try soaking it because I read that when you soak it, the wood will expand and make it harder to get out. But since I couldn't get it out without soaking, I guess I'll give that a try next.

Re: Splinter - what doctor?

If you think it is getting infected, though, definitely give your PCP a call before it gets worse.

Feel better!

Re: Splinter - what doctor?

I got a splinter all the way under my nail once and spent the most excruciating half hour of my life with the PCP and a needle, him trying to dig it out from under my nail. Isn't that how we torture prisoners of war?

Well, he couldn't get it out and told me to wait it out and see. Wouldn't you know, it just moved up as my nail grew and a few weeks later was out.

If yours is infected then by all means go to the PCP, but if it's just red because you were poking at it with tweezers for an hour yesterday, try waiting it out and seeing if it moves up with your nail.

Re: Splinter - what doctor?

I ended up numbing it and cutting back a lot of the skin so I could grab at it.

Fun times... NOT!