Version July 2025
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What kind of objects commonly get stuck in the skin? —
Common things that can get stuck in the skin and cause problems include:
●Pieces of wood, glass, plastic, or fiberglass
●Bits of metal, staples, nails, or tacks
●Small rocks
●Sharp needles from a plant
●Fishhooks
●Pencil lead
When an object gets into the skin that shouldn't be there, it is sometimes called a "foreign body."
How serious the problem is, and how it is treated, depends on what is in your skin and if it is on the surface or deep under the skin.
What symptoms can happen if an object gets stuck in my skin? —
Small splinters are often in only the top layer of skin and might not cause any problems. Some objects will dissolve or come out on their own.
If the object is deeper in the skin, there might be an open wound or bleeding. It might also cause symptoms, such as:
●Pain or burning
●Redness
●Feeling like something is in the skin
●Bruising
●Swelling, or a hard lump under the skin
●Draining fluid or pus
What should I do if something gets stuck in my skin? —
You can try to remove small splinters yourself if they are not very deep. First, wash your hands and your skin with soap and water, and pat dry. Clean tweezers and other tools with rubbing alcohol. You can use tweezers, a needle, tape, or a wax hair remover to try to remove the object.
See your doctor or nurse if you try to remove the object and:
●You cannot easily remove it.
●You cannot fully remove it.
●You are in pain.
●Your skin looks red or swollen, pus is coming out of your skin, or there are red streaks on your skin.
How will the doctor or nurse remove the object? —
They will do an exam. They might order an X-ray, ultrasound, or other imaging test to see how deeply the object is in your skin. Imaging tests create pictures of the inside of the body. Some objects like wood or glass might not show up on an X-ray.
The doctor might wait for the object to come out on its own. Or they might numb the area and make a small cut (incision) to remove it. In more serious cases, the doctor might need to do surgery to remove it if it is deeply embedded in your skin, or do surgery to clean out the area if you have signs of infection.
Do I need a tetanus vaccine? —
Maybe. It depends on when your last one was. Tetanus is a serious infection that can cause muscle stiffness and spasms, and even lead to death. It is caused by bacteria (germs) that live in the dirt.
Most children get a tetanus vaccine as part of their routine check-ups. Vaccines can prevent certain serious or deadly infections. Many adults also get a tetanus vaccine as part of their routine check-ups. Even a small wound can cause tetanus, so it's important to get vaccinated as recommended by your doctor.
How do I care for my skin after the object is removed? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure that you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself or your child. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also:
●Take all of your medicines as instructed:
•Fill any prescription for antibiotics or ointments right away.
•Take non-prescription medicines to relieve pain, such as acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol), ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve).
●Take care of your wound – If you have an incision, it might be left open to heal. Or it might have stitches, skin staples, surgical glue, or a special skin tape on it. It might have packing in it. Follow the doctor's or nurse's instructions for how to care for your wound:
•Change the dressing as instructed. You might have to go back to the emergency department or to your regular doctor to have the dressing or packing changed.
•The doctor might want you to keep your wound covered as it heals. You can put a thin layer of antibiotic ointment on your wound to help keep it moist. This also prevents the dressing from sticking to your wound.
•After 24 hours, gently wash your wound with soap and water. Pat dry, and put on a clean dressing. Change the dressing once a day and anytime it is wet or soiled.
•Do not swim or soak your wound in water until it has healed. Ask the doctor or nurse if you have any questions.
•Each time you change the dressing, look at your skin for signs of infection. These include redness that is getting worse or spreading, swelling, or warmth in the area.
•Always wash your hands before and after touching your wound or dressing.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call your doctor or nurse for advice if:
●You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills.
●A bad smell or pus (thick yellow, green, or gray fluid) is coming from your wound.
●You have red streaks on the skin near your wound, or the skin near your wound becomes more red or opens up.
●Your wound does not start to heal after a few days.
Patient education: Taking care of cuts, scrapes, and puncture wounds (The Basics)
Patient education: Stitches and staples (The Basics)
Patient education: Skin glue for minor cuts (The Basics)
Patient education: How to change a dressing (The Basics)
Patient education: How to use topical medicines (The Basics)
