Splinters are pieces of wood, glass, metal or other matter that get caught under the skin. Splinters tend to hurt if they are stuck deep under the skin. Those near the top of the skin are usually painless. Remove splinters so they don't cause an infection.

PREVENTION
Wear shoes out-of-doors at all times and whenever walking on unfinished floors.
Sand, varnish and/or paint handrails to prevent getting splinters in the hands.
Clean up all broken glass and metal shavings around the house. Be careful when you handle broken glass. Wear hard-soled shoes when glass has been broken.
Wear work gloves when you handle plants with thorns and sharp tips and spines.
Make sure tetanus shots are up-to-date. Check with your doctor or health department.

FIRST AID
To remove a splinter:
Wash your hands with soap and water.
Use tweezers to grab the splinter. Carefully pull it out at the same angle it went in.
If the splinter is under the skin or hard to grab: Sterilize a pin or needle by soaking it in rubbing alcohol for 10 minutes or placing the tip in a flame. Wash your hands with soap. Use the pin to gently remove skin over the splinter. Then use the tip of the pin to lift the end of the splinter out. You will probably still need to use tweezers as in step 2.
Wash the area with soap and water after the splinter is out. Pat it dry. (Don't rub.) Apply antibiotic ointment. Bandage the cut only if it is likely to get dirty. It will heal faster if exposed to the air.

SEEK CARE IF:
You have a high temperature.
The wound is bleeding continuosly.
You have any signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus, a bad smell, or red streaks leading from the wound).
You have pain or numbness.

SEEK CARE IF THE SPLINTER IS CLOSE TO YOUR EYE.