Tele-triage for Splinter/Foreign Body - Triage

Audience: pediatric

Splinters and foreign bodies in children's skin are common injuries that can often be managed safely at home. Telemedicine can help caregivers understand when it is appropriate to treat the injury at home and when to seek in-person medical care. During a tele-visit, a healthcare provider can assess the situation by asking questions and viewing the injury through video. They can guide safe removal techniques or recommend further care if needed. However, some situations require urgent in-person evaluation, such as deep or large foreign bodies, signs of infection, or if the child is in significant pain. This guide helps families know when telemedicine is suitable and what steps to take before and after the tele-visit to ensure the child's safety and comfort.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child develops fever above 38°C (100.4°F) after injury – seek immediate medical care.
• Increasing redness, swelling, warmth, or pus around the injury site – get in-person evaluation.
• Child experiences severe pain, numbness, or inability to move the affected limb – urgent medical attention needed.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of small, superficial splinters or foreign bodies.
• Guidance on safe removal techniques at home.
• Advice on wound cleaning and basic aftercare.
• Monitoring healing progress and signs of infection remotely.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Removal of large, deeply embedded, or difficult foreign bodies.
• Management of heavy bleeding or severe pain.
• Evaluation of injuries involving eyes, mouth, genitals, or joints.
• Treatment of suspected infections requiring antibiotics or surgical intervention.

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. Foreign bodies can also include dirt, thorns, or small objects. These injuries often happen during play or accidents and can cause discomfort or pain.

When to Use Telemedicine for a Splinter or Foreign Body

Telemedicine can be useful for initial assessment if the splinter or foreign body is small, visible, and not deeply embedded. A healthcare provider can guide you through safe removal steps and advise on wound care. Telemedicine is also helpful for follow-up if the injury is healing well without signs of infection.

When to Seek In-Person Care

You should seek in-person care if:

How to Prepare for a Telemedicine Visit

Before your tele-visit:

Aftercare Tips Following Telemedicine Guidance

After the tele-visit:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Ensure good lighting to clearly show the injury on camera.
• Gather clean tweezers, soap, water, and antiseptic supplies.
• Keep the child calm and still during the tele-visit.
• Be ready to describe how and when the injury occurred.
• Have a flashlight or phone light available if needed for better visualization.

After your tele-visit

• Follow provider’s instructions for wound cleaning and dressing.
• Monitor for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or fever.
• Keep the injured area clean and dry.
• Use pain relief methods as recommended.
• Seek in-person care if symptoms worsen or new concerning signs develop.

FAQs

Can I remove a splinter myself at home?

If the splinter is small, visible, and not deeply embedded, you can often remove it safely at home using clean tweezers. Wash your hands and the area with soap and water first. If you are unsure or the splinter is large or deeply embedded, seek medical advice.

When should I take my child to the emergency room for a splinter?

Go to the emergency room if your child has heavy bleeding that won't stop, severe pain, signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus, fever), or if the splinter is in a sensitive area like the eye or mouth.

What signs of infection should I watch for after a splinter injury?

Watch for increasing redness, swelling, warmth around the injury, pus or discharge, fever, or if your child becomes more irritable or unwell. These signs mean you should seek medical care promptly.

Is telemedicine safe for managing splinters in children?

Telemedicine can be a safe and convenient way to get advice on managing minor splinters, especially when the injury is straightforward. However, it cannot replace in-person care when the injury is complex or shows signs of complications.

Sources

1. Splinters — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Foreign Body in the Skin — Merck Manuals: Consumer Version.
3. When to Seek Emergency Care for a Child — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
4. Telehealth: What You Need to Know — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child’s condition worsens or you have concerns, seek prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional in person.