Baking Soda--7 Step Baking Soda Solution
Having a splinter is awful. At best it's
uncomfortable, at worst it can be horribly painful, particularly to
small children. What's more, the thought of removing that wooden
intruder with tweezers or a pin is enough to strike any soul with
trepidation. But, luckily, here is a simple homemade solution you can
make using baking soda. So, whip that magical powder out of its cupboard
and let's get to work!
Step 1: Do not squeeze at it!
First, it's important you get a good idea of what kind of splinter you
are dealing with, and where precisely it is. Squeezing may cause the
splinter to go deeper into your skin, or even break it up into smaller
pieces that are even harder to remove. So, refrain from squeezing.
Step 2: Clean the area, using soap and water
Always do this when you have any kind of open wound, to avoid
infections. Then dry yourself off with a paper towel. Do so very gently,
so as not to aggravate the wound. Remember that wood loves moisture, so
keep it as dry as you can.
Step 3: Look at the splinter using a magnifying glass
Make sure that the splinter is small. The method we are about to use
makes the skin swell. This swelling will push out the splinter. But this
will only work on small splinters. If yours seems rather large, you
will have to consider some other methods.
Step 4: Make Your Baking Soda Paste
Your paste will be made with 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and a little
water. We want a nice thick paste.
Step 5: Apply your paste to the area
The best way to do this is to spread the paste on a bandage and place it
over the splinter.
Step 6: Wait 1 day, then take the bandage off
Take the bandage off after one day. If you can see the splinter sticking
out, you will then be able to pull it out (step 7) with a pair of
tweezers, without penetrating your skin. And if it's sticking out but
you can barely see it, it may naturally come out when you take a wash.
If the splinter is still inside, repeat steps 4-6 as many times as
necessary.
Step 7: Apply a topical anesthetic
Once you are ready to pull out the splinter, the area will still fees
quite painful, apply some Baby Orajel to the wound. This ointment causes
numbing, which should furnish you with the confidence to proceed. Wait
just a couple of minutes and then pull it out with some tweezers.
Finished.