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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When to Seek Medical Care
If the person has been impaled by an object, is severely bleeding, or is otherwise seriously wounded, seek emergency medical care.

In the case of all foreign objects in the skin, with some exceptions, such as splinters, give first aid and then seek medical attention. Any object that passes through clothing requires medical care.

Any penetrating injury to the eye requires medical attention, even if the object in the eye is small. If there is merely suspicion of a foreign body in the eye, even if an object cannot be seen, seek medical attention for complete evaluation of the eye.

If suspected infection develops days later (ie, the affected area is very red or warm to the touch, painful, oozing pus, or blood-filled), seek medical attention.
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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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