I’m an ER doctor – this is the best, painless way to remove a splinter

Don’t let a patch get out of hand—a California ER doctor is sharing his simple removal hack.

Dr. Joe Whittington, who goes by Dr. Joe on TikTok recommends getting a clean, unused medicine syringe that doesn’t have a needle.

First, cut the tip off the syringe to create a small opening. Next, place the hole over the end of the patch, ensuring a tight seal around the area. Slowly pull the plunger to create suction to pull the patch out of the skin.

“This method is effective for shallow patches, as the vacuum created by the syringe can gently pull the patch away without causing additional damage to the surrounding skin,” Whittington explained in his 20-second TikTok that has attracted more than 1.1 million views. this week.

Whittington reminded his 1.9 million TikTok followers to sterilize the area with the patch before and after sucking to prevent infection.

@drjoe_md

Here’s a simple hack for removing splinters using a syringe: First, get a clean, unused syringe without a needle. Cut the tip of the syringe to create a small opening. Place the opening over the patch, ensuring a tight seal around the area. Slowly pull back on the plunger, creating suction to pull the patch out of the skin. This method is effective for shallow patches, as the vacuum created by the syringe can gently retract the patch without causing additional damage to the surrounding skin. Make sure the area is cleaned and sterilized before and after the procedure to prevent infection. #lifehacks #firstaid #momtips #splinter

♬ original sound – Dr. Joe, MD 🩺

In the comments section, TikTok users offered other methods of pulling out the patches that don’t involve a needle, safety pin, or tweezers.

“Also pour Elmers glue on the pieces and let it dry. Peel away. Works like a charm,” enthused one person.

“Put a strip of hair wax over the pieces and pull it out,” declared another.

“There is a bite/venom extraction device similar to a hypodermic, except it works in reverse. I’ve used them for years to remove bits — perfect!” added a third.

The American Association for Surgery of the Hand warns that not removing a splinter or thorn can cause the surrounding area to become red, swollen, and painful.

“The skin is a physical barrier that prevents infections. “Leaving a patch on the skin makes it easier for bacteria from outside the skin to get under the skin,” certified nurse practitioner Ashley Jones told Live Science.

Objects made of glass, metal and plastic that are inserted into the skin are less likely to cause inflammation or infection because the body reacts to organic materials, such as from plants.

“Nine times out of 10, the scraps are trivial things. But the classic scenario where things go wrong and end up in our clinic is related to plant matter,” Australian dermatologist Adam Sheridan explained in 2017.

“They are the ones that most often cause infection and immune reaction”, he added. “The vulture is seen as a living foreign body and we are designed to reject it.”

Splinters sometimes require a visit to the emergency room.

The Cleveland Clinic recommends a trip to the doctor if the lump is near the eye or under the nail, the skin has become red or hardened, there is a white or yellow discharge, the lump is deep or has broken off several times, or is still there. stuck after 10 to 15 minutes of trying to remove it.

In addition to using a needle, the Cleveland Clinic suggests placing a piece of duct tape over the patch and gently lifting, soaking the area in a mixture of Epsom salt and warm water, or covering the area with manuka honey and a bandage for several hours.