It's common for kids to get splinters. They usually don't cause any lasting problems when removed quickly. When a splinter can't be removed at home, health care providers might use special tools to help remove it.

After removing the splinter, the health care provider rinsed the area with water or saline (saltwater) to help clean out bacteria and dirt. If a small cut was made to get the splinter out, your child might have gotten stitches and the health care provider may have given you an antibiotic skin ointment to use at home.

• Follow your health care provider's instructions for changing the bandage and cleaning the area.
• If you were given an antibiotic skin ointment, apply it as instructed.
• For pain, if your health care provider says it's OK, you can give acetaminophen (such as Tylenol^® or a store brand) or ibuprofen (such as Advil^®, Motrin^®, or a store brand). Follow the package directions for how much to give and how often.

• Your child has continued pain.
• The area around where the splinter was seems infected (looks red or swollen or is draining pus) or is bleeding a lot.

How can splinters be prevented? To help kids avoid getting splinters in their feet, encourage them to wear footwear, especially when on decks or boardwalks or wading in water.