How to prepare for a telemedicine visit about Splinter/Foreign Body - Triage

Audience: pediatric

If your child has a splinter or a foreign object stuck in their skin, a telemedicine visit can help decide the best next steps. During the visit, a healthcare provider will ask about the injury, look at photos or videos you send, and guide you on how to care for it at home or if your child needs to see a doctor in person. Telemedicine is often helpful for minor splinters that are easy to see and not causing serious symptoms. However, if the area is very painful, swollen, or shows signs of infection, or if the object is deeply embedded, an in-person visit is usually needed. Preparing for the telemedicine visit by having good lighting, clean the area gently, and gathering information about the injury will make the visit smoother. Remember, telemedicine advice is a first step and not a substitute for emergency care or hands-on treatment when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Increasing redness, swelling, warmth, or pus around the injury site — seek in-person care immediately.
• High fever or your child appears very unwell — get emergency medical attention.
• Splinter or foreign body near the eye or embedded deeply — do not attempt removal at home; see a healthcare provider in person.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessing visible, small splinters or foreign bodies.
• Providing guidance on safe removal of minor splinters.
• Advising on wound care and infection prevention.
• Determining if symptoms require urgent in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Removing deeply embedded or large foreign bodies.
• Treating severe infections or complications.
• Performing imaging or surgical procedures.
• Managing injuries near sensitive areas like the eyes.

What is a Splinter or Foreign Body?

A splinter is a small piece of wood, metal, glass, or other material that gets stuck in the skin. A foreign body is any object that is not normally part of the body and becomes lodged inside it. In children, splinters and foreign bodies often happen during play or accidents. They can cause discomfort, pain, or infection if not removed properly.

When to Use Telemedicine for a Splinter or Foreign Body

Telemedicine can help if the splinter or foreign body is small, visible, and not causing severe pain or signs of infection. You can show the area using photos or video, and the healthcare provider can guide you on safe removal or care. Telemedicine is suitable for initial advice, especially when in-person care is not immediately available.

How to Prepare for Your Telemedicine Visit

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Signs That Need In-Person Care

If your child has any of the following, seek in-person medical care promptly:

These signs mean telemedicine alone is not enough.

After the Telemedicine Visit

Follow the healthcare provider's instructions carefully. This may include:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Ensure good lighting to show the injury clearly during the visit.
• Clean the affected area gently with soap and water.
• Have a clean pair of tweezers ready in case removal is advised.
• Prepare to describe how and when the injury happened.
• Note any symptoms such as pain, redness, or fever.
• Have a family member assist with holding the child or camera if needed.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s instructions on splinter removal if given.
• Keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection.
• Apply antibiotic ointment if recommended.
• Monitor the injury site for signs of infection or worsening symptoms.
• Schedule an in-person visit if symptoms do not improve or worsen.
• Seek immediate care if red flags develop after the visit.

FAQs

Can I remove a splinter at home safely?

Small, visible splinters can often be removed safely at home using clean tweezers after washing your hands and the area with soap and water. Avoid digging too deep or forcing the splinter out. If unsure, ask your healthcare provider during the telemedicine visit.

When should I not try to remove a splinter myself?

Do not attempt removal if the splinter is deeply embedded, near the eye, very painful, or if your child has a bleeding disorder or weakened immune system. In these cases, seek in-person medical care.

What signs suggest the splinter site is infected?

Signs of infection include increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pain, pus or discharge, and fever. If you notice these, contact a healthcare provider promptly.

Is a tetanus shot needed after a splinter injury?

Tetanus vaccination depends on your child's vaccination history and the nature of the injury. Your healthcare provider can advise if a booster is needed during the telemedicine visit.

Can telemedicine replace all in-person visits for splinter injuries?

No. Telemedicine is helpful for initial assessment and minor cases but cannot replace in-person care for complicated injuries, infections, or when procedures are needed.

Sources

1. Splinters and Foreign Bodies — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Foreign Body Injuries in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. When to Seek Medical Care for a Splinter or Foreign Body — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Splinters and Foreign Bodies in the Skin — Mayo Clinic.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child has severe symptoms, signs of infection, or if you are concerned about their health, seek prompt in-person evaluation by a healthcare professional.