Splinter under fingernail

[MisterEd]

Before I find a bucket of liquid nitrogen and stick my finger in it then smash it with a hammer is there some secret to removing a splinter from under one's fingernail? This makes the pain from a recent kidney stone feel almost pleasurable.

I hate doctors offices. There must be a DIY short of sawing off my finger. Been trying to chop away the nail around the splinter .....

[chpalmer]

Tweezers. Long nose pliers... (small pair).

Something to ease the pain...

Ive even used the fingernail clippers to gently grab on and pull.

[MisterEd]

I need something to numb it. Tried ice and Anbesol.

[usa2k]

Thought it should really be bamboo?
And you're not supposed to do it to yourself!
I imagine the relief will compensate for short-term pain of removal.
Hope that is not your typing finger ...

I don't recommend drinking.
Ice or ice water is likely best.

[MisterEd]

Thought it should really be bamboo?
And you're not supposed to do it to yourself!
I imagine the relief will compensate for short-term pain of removal.
Hope that is not your typing finger ...

I don't recommend drinking.
Ice or ice water is likely best.

No one touches my finger but me! I've been soaking it all day. One web site said to put some Elmer's Wood Glue on the end of it and let it harden the pull it out by the glue! My wife says it will grow out as the nail grows back.

I even tried freezing it with an upside down "canned air" spray so just the propellant came out. It froze but not long enough to get my nerve up to pull it out.

[usa2k]

Uh-Oh. Doesn't soaking make the wood expand?

[chpalmer]

Once you grab it and give it that quick initial pull, it will come out pretty easily. Its tapered.

Unfortunately- its gonna hurt a bit... but more as it festers. Ive taken up to 800mg of ibuprofen and a couple extra strength Tylenol in preparation for such a task.

Good Luck!

[zevin]

Wow... That smarts.

As the [self proclaimed] resident EMT and safety officer for VOIPo I would suggest you go see a doctor. That could get infected, and that is something you don't want.

A doctor will be able to numb the nail bed and thus remove the offending object with much ease and with little discomfort to you.

In addition he would give you a script for antibiotics just to be safe.

Soaking it won't make it come out on its own... if it doesn't get infected first it will eventually come out. Once it is removed the pain will go away.

If it does get infected you will lose the nail completely. The nail will fall off or a doctor will have to pop it off for debridement of the nail bed to remove the infected tissue. If it gets infected you will be forced into seeing a doctor.

Now at home on your own you could try using a needle to pick it out, it will hurt a bit but shouldn't be too bad.

Your options... Dig it out and Pray, Wait and Pray, Go to the Doctor [and pay].

[MisterEd]

Your options... Dig it out and Pray, Wait and Pray, Go to the Doctor [and pay].

(I'd use 12 more "EEKS" but the software only allows 4!!) Thing is, it stopped hurting entirely until I actually try and grab it with something.

[MisterEd]

Uh-Oh. Doesn't soaking make the wood expand?

Makes mine shrivel.