Red flags & when to go in person for Splinter/Foreign Body - Triage

Audience: adult

Splinters or foreign bodies embedded in the skin are common injuries that can often be managed at home or with telemedicine guidance. However, certain signs suggest the need for in-person medical evaluation to prevent complications like infection or deeper tissue damage. Telemedicine can help assess the injury, provide advice on removal techniques, and guide wound care. If you notice increasing pain, swelling, redness spreading beyond the injury, pus, fever, or if the foreign body is deeply embedded or near sensitive areas like the eyes, prompt in-person care is important. Early treatment reduces risks and promotes healing. This guide helps you recognize when telemedicine is suitable and when you should seek face-to-face care for splinters or foreign bodies.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Increasing redness, swelling, or warmth around the injury – seek in-person care promptly.
• Presence of pus or discharge from the wound – see a healthcare provider immediately.
• Fever or feeling unwell after injury – urgent medical evaluation is needed.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessing small, superficial splinters visible on video.
• Providing advice on safe removal techniques for minor foreign bodies.
• Guidance on wound cleaning and basic care.
• Monitoring symptoms and advising when to seek in-person care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Removing deeply embedded or large foreign bodies.
• Evaluating injuries near sensitive areas like eyes or genitals.
• Treating signs of infection requiring antibiotics or surgical intervention.
• Managing severe pain or systemic symptoms like fever.

What is a Splinter or Foreign Body?

A splinter is a small piece of wood, metal, glass, or other material that gets stuck under your skin. Foreign bodies can be any object that penetrates the skin and remains inside. These injuries can cause discomfort and may lead to infection if not properly treated.

When Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine providers can help you assess the injury by asking about symptoms and looking at the area via video. They can guide you on safely removing small, superficial splinters and advise on cleaning and protecting the wound to prevent infection.

When to Seek In-Person Care

You should see a healthcare provider in person if:

Risks of Delayed Treatment

Leaving a foreign body untreated or improperly removed can lead to infection, abscess formation, or damage to surrounding tissues. Early medical evaluation helps prevent complications and supports faster healing.

Basic Care Tips

If the splinter is small and superficial, you can:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Ensure good lighting to clearly show the injury during the tele-visit.
• Have a clean pair of tweezers and antiseptic supplies ready if removal is advised.
• Be prepared to describe how and when the injury occurred.
• Note any symptoms such as pain, swelling, fever, or discharge.
• Have a way to take close-up photos if video quality is poor.

After your tele-visit

• Follow instructions given for wound cleaning and dressing.
• Watch for any worsening symptoms such as increased redness or pus.
• Keep the wound dry and covered as advised.
• Contact your healthcare provider if new symptoms develop or existing ones worsen.
• Complete any recommended follow-up appointments or treatments.

FAQs

Can I remove any splinter at home?

Small, superficial splinters that are easily visible and accessible can often be safely removed at home using clean tweezers. However, if the splinter is deep, large, or near sensitive areas, it's best to seek medical care.

How do I know if a splinter is infected?

Signs of infection include increasing redness, swelling, warmth around the area, pus or discharge, red streaks extending from the wound, and fever. If you notice these, see a healthcare provider promptly.

Is a tetanus shot needed after a splinter injury?

If your tetanus vaccinations are not up to date or the splinter is contaminated with dirt or rust, a tetanus booster may be recommended. Consult your healthcare provider for advice.

When should I go to the emergency room?

Go to the emergency room if the foreign body is deeply embedded near the eye or major blood vessels, if you cannot stop bleeding, or if you experience severe pain, numbness, or loss of function.

Can telemedicine providers prescribe antibiotics for infected splinters?

Telemedicine providers may assess infection signs and prescribe antibiotics if appropriate. However, severe infections or abscesses often require in-person evaluation and treatment.

Sources

1. Splinters and Foreign Bodies — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Foreign Body Injuries — Mayo Clinic.
3. Skin and Soft Tissue Infections — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Management of Foreign Bodies in the Skin — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical evaluation and treatment. If you experience any red flags or worsening symptoms, seek immediate medical care.