Some simple ways to remove thorns from the skin, such as using tweezers, adhesive tape or baking soda paste, can help remove the thorn or splinters from the skin, and the removal method should be chosen depending on the positioning of the thorn and the depth at which it is found.
The thorn can enter the skin of any part of the body, being most common on the fingers or toes, but it can also occur on the arms, under the nails or even on the tongue, as in the case of the pequi thorn, and can penetrate superficially. or deep into the skin.
Before removing the thorn, it is important to wash the skin well, with soap and water, to avoid the development of an infection, avoiding rubbing, so that the thorn does not go deeper into the skin, and after removal, it must be cleaned. skin with water and neutral soap. If you cannot remove the thorn, you must go to the hospital to have it removed by a doctor.
How to remove thorns from your skin
Some ways to remove thorns from your skin are:
1. Tweezers
If part of the thorn is outside the skin, it can be easily removed with tweezers, removing the thorn in the same direction in which it entered the skin.
Before using the tweezers, it is important to wash them with soap and water, and apply 70% alcohol to the tweezers, to avoid skin infections.
Tweezers can be a good method for removing thorns from the skin or removing pequi thorns from the tongue, for example.
2. Scotch tape
Using a piece of adhesive tape can also be a good option to remove small thorns from the skin, when part of the thorn is on the outside of the skin, and the tip of the tweezers is too thick, not enough to hold and hold. pull the thorn.
To do this, you must place a small piece of adhesive tape on the skin with the thorn and apply light pressure. Wait a few minutes, and pull the adhesive tape in the direction in which the thorn entered the skin.
2. Baking soda paste
Baking soda paste is a simple way without using needles or tweezers, which can make the moment even more painful, especially if the thorn is very deep, and can be used on children to remove thorns or wood splinters from the foot. , finger, or elsewhere on the skin.
After some time, the thorn comes out on its own through the same hole it entered, as the baking soda causes a slight swelling of the skin that pushes the thorn or splinter out.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of sodium bicarbonate;
- Water.
Preparation mode
Place the baking soda in a small cup and slowly add the water until it reaches a paste consistency. Spread it over the hole made by the thorn and place a band-aid or adhesive tape, so that the paste does not move out of place and can dry when left alone.
After 24 hours, remove the paste and the thorn will have come out of the skin. If this does not happen, it could mean that the thorn or splinter may be very deep in the skin and, therefore, it is recommended to reapply the paste and wait another 24 hours. If the splinter is slightly sticking out, you can try removing it with tweezers before using the baking soda paste again or going to the doctor.
4. White glue
If the thorn, which has a part sticking out of the skin, does not come out easily with the help of tweezers or adhesive tape, you can try applying a little glue to the area where the thorn entered.
The ideal is to use white PVA glue and let it dry. When the glue is dry, you should try to remove it carefully, in the direction in which the thorn entered the skin, so that the thorn comes out together.
5. Needle
If the thorn is very deep and is not on the surface or is covered by skin, you can try using a needle to expose it, piercing the surface of the skin slightly, but with great care and after disinfecting both the skin and the needle.
After exposing the thorn, you can try using one of the methods mentioned above to eliminate the thorn completely. See which healing ointments you can apply after removing the thorn from your skin.
When to go to the doctor
It is important to consult your general practitioner in the following situations:
- Large thorn that breaks on the skin;
- Deep pimples in the skin that cannot be removed at home;
- Severe pain where the thorn entered the skin;
- Thorn under the nail.
In addition, medical help should be sought if the person shows signs of infection such as redness, pain, swelling, increased temperature at the affected skin site, pus, fever or chills, so that the most appropriate treatment can be initiated with the use of antibiotics. in the form of ointments or tablets.
