A deep splinter requires careful handling to avoid infection or tissue damage. Here’s a practical, safe approach you can follow. What you’ll need

• Clean workspace and hands
• Soap and water
• Antiseptic (e.g., rubbing alcohol or iodine)
• Sterile tweezers (preferably with a fine tip)
• Sterile needle (18–25 gauge) if you need to expose the splinter
• Antibiotic ointment and a clean bandage
• If the splinter is stubborn or painful, consider medical help

Steps for removal

1. Clean the area and hands

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Clean the skin around the splinter with soap and water or an antiseptic. Dry with a clean towel. This reduces the risk of introducing bacteria [medical guidance sources emphasize cleansing prior to removal].

2. Inspect the splinter

• If any part of the splinter is protruding above the skin, you may be able to grab it with sterile tweezers and gently pull it straight out in the direction it entered. Do not yank or twist aggressively, which can break the splinter or injure tissue.

3. If the splinter is deeply embedded

• Do not dig around aggressively. You can try to gently expose more of the splinter using a sterilized needle:
  • Sterilize the needle with rubbing alcohol.
  • Gently slip the needle over the end of the splinter that’s closest to the surface to lift a small amount of the splinter above the skin.
  • Once a portion is exposed, switch to tweezers to pull it out with a steady, even motion in the direction it entered.
  • If you still can’t access it, stop and seek medical care to avoid infection or pushing the splinter deeper.

4. If a portion of the splinter remains after removal

• Clean the area again, apply an antiseptic, and cover with a clean bandage. If any redness, swelling, warmth, increasing pain, or pus develops within a day or two, seek medical attention promptly, as these can be signs of infection.

5. Alternative or adjunct methods

• For very shallow or superficial splinters, duct tape can sometimes help pull the splinter out if it’s barely visible. If you try this, ensure the skin is clean and press the tape over the area firmly, then peel away slowly. If unsuccessful, return to the tweezers/needle method.

• Some sources mention soaking in warm water or a warm saltwater soak for several minutes to help bring splinters closer to the surface, but this is more of a preparatory step than a removal method on its own.

When to seek medical care

• If the splinter is large or deeply embedded, if bleeding is heavy, if there’s significant pain, or if signs of infection appear (redness spreading, warmth, pus), see a healthcare professional. For splinters near sensitive areas or under fingernails or toenails, or if tetanus vaccination status is uncertain, professional care is prudent.

Prevention tips (aftercare)

• Keep the wound clean and dry after removal.
• Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment if the skin is broken, then cover with a sterile bandage.
• Monitor for infection, and seek care if symptoms worsen or don’t improve in a couple of days.

Direct answer
To safely remove a deep splinter, first clean the area, then attempt to grasp any portion protruding with sterile tweezers and pull straight out in the direction it entered. If none of the splinter is visible or it’s deeply embedded, use a sterilized needle to gently expose a bit of the splinter, then switch back to tweezers to remove it. Clean the area again, apply antiseptic, and cover with a bandage. If you cannot access the splinter, or if there are signs of infection or significant pain, seek medical care.