Splinter in the skin: after removing a splinter, what should you do next?

• A. Wash area w/ water & apply bandage
• B. Apply heat to the area
• C. Leave the area exposed without dressing
• D. Massage the area gently to promote healing

Answer: (A)

After removing a splinter, the next step is to wash the area with clean water (and mild soap if available) and then apply a clean bandage. Cleaning helps remove any remaining dirt and bacteria, reducing the risk of infection, while a bandage protects the wound from further contamination and irritation as it starts to heal. Heating the area isn’t helpful and can cause tissue damage or increase swelling. Leaving the wound exposed increases the chance of infection, and massaging the area can irritate the skin or push bacteria deeper. If bleeding continues, apply gentle pressure until it stops, and watch for signs of infection (increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or pus) that would require medical care.