Every part of the human body (other than tonsils and appendices) seems to be essential. But it's only when you damage one tiny bit that you realise how essential.
I'm engaged in some building work at the moment, and I've gone and got a stupid bloody SPLINTER in the fleshy part of my right thumb. I know; poor diddums etc etc. But it bloody hurts and I can't dig the wretched thing out.
So I'm temporarily disabled, but unable to take time off. It's just a matter of continuing as per normal, but with the occasional blood-curdling scream thrown in for luck.
Any advice about winkling out deep set splinters would be gratefully received, although I'm really just hoping it'll come out by itself (Yes, I'm a male wimp). Thank goodness I don't use my thumb for clicking on the mouse!
Boiling water works a treat, but be careful not to submerge the affected appendage for too long (30 seconds is fine) as it's quite hot and you may lose some skin. After you remove your thumb apply gently pressure either side of the splinter - a vice works best but if you don't have one then a door hinge is just as good. This method works in most cases but if not let me know and I'll take you through the "sledgehammer/Bosch" technique.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I'll try the hot water/door hinge method first. If all fails, I still won't try the other one.
ReplyDeletethe household remedy for removal of splinters goes as follows:
ReplyDeletemake a thick paste of baking soda and water and cover the affected area with it..wrap in gauze or a commercial bandage....wait.....
unbelievably the baking soda starts to draw on the area and more often than not you will find the sliver in the paste after a few hours. This is also an excellent way to remove infection from a small wound.
The other method is to go to the doctor where he starts to dig around in your flesh with a sterilized pin.......go for the baking soda.
Good luck and "poor you".
I think I have some baking soda somewhere, so before trying Ranter's thumb-in-vice method, I'll give yours a go. Much more to my taste!
ReplyDeleteSoaking it, or the baking soda method are about it Cro. If you wait for Mother Nature to remove it, you will have a hot, tender thumb for quite a while and the risk of a nasty infection.
ReplyDeleteAnd you are not a wimp...these things really hurt!
I'm trying the Baking Soda method NOW. I'll let you know how I get on. I'm totally confident!
ReplyDeleteBaking soda is the way to go. Stay away from doctors, they make you sick.
ReplyDeleteI don't like splinters either, Cro. I just go ahead and take the pain with the needle in hand, digging as deep as I have to go and finally working it out. I skinned my knuckle about 2 months ago and it has finally healed. Hang in there pal! :)
ReplyDeleteWe think alike SO AC M. Viva Baking Soda.
ReplyDeletethey generally work themselves out eventually
ReplyDeletebut are bloody painful!
you have my sympathies
Splinters are nasty little divils. I think everybody else has offered good advice so I'm just sending a load of love and sympathy.
ReplyDeleteDid the baking soda work?
ReplyDeleteYes, we're all agog waiting to know how the home remedy worked.
ReplyDeleteIf my grandpa were alive, he would come at you with the flat edge of his pocket knife. You would scream and hide behind the couch.
ReplyDeleteWell, now Im worried because we haven't heard from you! Splinters are always nasty characters.I would not allow my children to whine all day about a splinter, I would just hold them down and dig it out, like Tess's grandpa. Be glad I'm not there! Best Wishes
ReplyDeleteI'm pleased to say that with the help of Baking Soda, considerable pain, and a mop & bucket, the little blighter is now out. Thanks everyone for both your advice, and sympathy!
ReplyDeleteNothing like a splinter to bring continents together.
ReplyDeleteI've come to this too late, but if there is a next time, Cro, try a hot bread poultice.
ReplyDelete