A splinter is considered a foreign object in the skin. The barb of a fishhook is a fairly common foreign object in the skin. A small corneal foreign body, as displayed here, may not be seen without close inspection. While awaiting medical care for a foreign object in the skin, take special care to leave the object in place: cut away any clothes around the affected area, if necessary; wash your hands; and immobilize the object with something such as a paper cup or some rolled up bandages.
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Object in Eye or Skin, First Aid 

Picture of Object in Eye or Skin, First Aid: A splinter is considered a foreign object in the skin. Divider line
A splinter is considered a foreign object in the skin.
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Treatments Your Provider May Prescribe
The physician will assess the wound and likely remove the foreign object and clean the affected area.

In the case of a foreign object in the eye, special instruments are required to examine the eye completely.

In the case of a foreign object in the skin, the doctor may give a tetanus shot if the wound is dirty, deep, or if the previous shot was more than 5 years ago. If infection occurs at the wound site, antibiotics may be given.


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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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