Object in Eye or Skin, First Aid 

A foreign object can become embedded in the skin or eye, and any movement of the object, including removing it, can cause increased bleeding, damage, or pain.

All eye problems are serious because loss of sight or infection may occur, so any occurrence of a foreign object in the eye requires medical attention. Splinters (slivers) in the skin can often be safely removed without requiring medical assistance, and this information can be found in the Splinters text. Anything larger than a splinter embedded in the skin should be removed only by a medical professional. First aid measures listed below focus on protecting the skin or eye from further damage and should be conducted while awaiting medical assistance.

First Aid Guide
In the case of a foreign object in the eye, the following first aid measures should be taken while awaiting medical care:

1. Take special care to leave the object in its place. Do not put any pressure on the affected area.
2. Thoroughly wash your hands.
3. The size of the foreign object determines how the eye should be bandaged:

• If the object is small, cover both eyes with sterile dressings.
• If the object is large, tape a paper cup over the injured eye, and then cover the uninjured eye with a sterile dressing.

In the case of a foreign object in the skin, the following first aid measures should be taken while awaiting medical care:

1. Leave the object in place. Removing the object could cause severe bleeding.
2. If necessary, carefully cut away any clothes from the affected area.
3. Thoroughly wash your hands, and put on sterile gloves if available.
4. Immobilize the foreign object with a paper cup, rolled bandages, etc.

In the case of any foreign object in the eye or skin:

• Do not remove the object (unless it is a splinter in the skin only).
• Do not attempt to clean the area.
• Do not breathe on the area.