Skin inflammation caused by splinters or wood slivers

It can happen quickly when gardening or doing woodwork: a small splinter, wood sliver or thorn gets lodged in a finger or foot. For children and adults alike, the sharp foreign object in the skin causes an unpleasant sensation. If the sliver remains in the skin for a longer period, it often results in painful skin inflammation.

As a rule, wood splinters often have bacteria adhering to them, which can enter the bloodstream. Itching, redness or a feeling of tightness at the spot on the finger are possible consequences; in most cases, the affected area then swells or throbs. This is also a sign that the body has already started wound healing. In this process, increased numbers of white blood cells and so-called phagocytes migrate to the affected area of skin to remove destroyed tissue cells. Many people only notice after a few days that the splinter has caused pus to form in the wound.

If a splinter remains in the skin for longer, the body tries to push it to the surface by accumulating pus. In such a case, it is important to remove the splinter as quickly as possible. Pathogens or toxins can enter the bloodstream this way, and if the immune system is weakened, there may also be an acute health risk.

How skin inflammation caused by splinters develops

A splinter or thorn penetrates the layer of skin on a finger or foot.

At first, the foreign body remains in the skin unnoticed.

Bacteria or pathogens enter the skin along with the splinter.

This can lead to skin inflammation, i.e., pus forms at the site of the splinter.

If the pus cannot drain on its own, the area becomes warmer and a painful feeling of pressure develops.

The inflammation can develop into a deep-seated abscess in the skin tissue.

In rare cases, inflammation of the skin can lead to blood poisoning; however, it is possible, which is why it is important to monitor the situation and act in good time.

How to remove a splinter from your finger properly

Even if it is difficult: you should definitely avoid picking at the skin,
especially if the splinter has already penetrated deep into the layers of skin. Therefore:

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap.
If the end of the splinter protrudes slightly from the skin, it can be pulled out using a magnifying glass and disinfected tweezers. Do not forget to disinfect the affected area afterwards, for example with alcohol.
Removal is easier if the skin has already softened a little, e.g., after a warm bath or by applying a warm compress to the skin.
For hard-to-reach areas on the foot or finger, it is advisable to use an anti-inflammatory ointment such as ilon Classic with a plaster for protection. The green drawing ointment draws the splinter and pus to the surface of the skin and makes removal easier.

Avoid squeezing the skin, as this can push the splinter even deeper into the skin.
Monitor the skin inflammation. If it worsens, it is advisable to seek medical help to remove the splinter.
Extreme caution is required if there is a foreign body in the eye, or in the case of glass splinters as well as larger metal splinters. Tissue, tendons or the cornea may be damaged. Therefore, it is best to see a doctor immediately.
Gardening or work gloves protect the skin from thorns and other injuries when gardening.

Skin inflammation caused by splinters can spread as far as the bone and lead to blood poisoning or other illnesses.
Therefore, you should see a doctor immediately if you cannot remove the splinter yourself.

Skin inflammation caused by splinters:
get relief again with ilon Classic

For inflammation caused by thorns, wood slivers or splinters that have penetrated the skin, or in cases of swelling, redness, a feeling of tightness or pain with pus, ilon Classic can be used.

ilon Classic promotes circulation and softens the surface of the skin. This allows pus to drain more easily and supports healing. Please note, however, that the ointment should not get into the eye. If you have symptoms caused by the splinter, worsening of the infected area, or incorrect treatment of an inflammation, you should always consult a doctor.

ilon® Classic Ointment. Active ingredients: larch turpentine, turpentine oil (maritime pine type), eucalyptus oil. A traditional herbal medicinal product for the treatment of mild, localised, purulent skin inflammation, such as small pus-filled nodules, inflamed hair follicles and inflamed sweat glands, based solely on long-standing use. Contains butylhydroxytoluene. (Information as of December 2024)

For information on risks and side effects, read the package leaflet and ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Cesra Arzneimittel GmbH & Co. KG, Flugstraße 11, 76532 Baden-Baden

Skin inflammation caused by splinters or wood slivers

How skin inflammation caused by splinters develops

How to remove a splinter from your finger properly

Skin inflammation caused by splinters: get relief again with ilon Classic

Skin inflammation caused by splinters:
get relief again with ilon Classic