Foreign Object in the Skin

​Foreign Object in the Skin  

What to do if there is a foreign object sticking up from your skin?

• Wash your hands
• Clean the affected area with soap and water.
• Use clean tweezers to remove what foreign objects there are. You might need to squeeze surrounding area to help pop up the object.
• What to do if the foreign object is completely imbedded in the skin?
• Wash your hands
• Clean the affected area with soap and water.
• Sterilize a sharp needle with alcohol, flame or with soap and water.
• Directly on top of the object, break the skin with the needle.
• If needed, a magnifying glass can better help see the object.
• Using the tweezers, gently lift the tip of the object out then carefully remove it.
• Wash and pat dry.
• Apply antibiotic ointment and cover with a bandage if necessary

When to see a doctor?

• If the objects don't come out or is difficult to remove.
• If the object is close to a sensitive body part, like the eye.
• If there is an infection.   

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This information is provided by the NGHA Content Advisory Boar​d and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your health care provider.​