WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO REMOVE FOOT SPLINTERS QUICKLY?

Imagine you’re walking along the beach in Tampa. The soft waves lap against your feet; the breeze caresses your hair; the sound of splashing waves has a calming effect on your mind. You’re so caught up in the moment that you don’t notice the sharp piece of wood sticking out of the sand. The moment you step on it, a twinge of stabbing pain sends you careening back to reality. There’s no need to panic yet – splinter injuries are one of the most common minor injuries. The first thing to do is removing it. Doing this yourself would not be very difficult, but it would be better if you get the splinter removed by a healthcare professional at any local clinic in Tampa (or one in your vicinity). This will give you peace of mind that no fragment is left inside. However, the splinter needs to be removed as early as possible. Left untreated, this tiny problem can transform into a major health risk. Skin acts as the first line of defense against diseases and infections. When you accidentally puncture or break the surface of your skin, you inadvertently create an entryway for bacteria and germs to enter your body. And when something remains lodged in the break, your chances of infection increase.

Health Hazards of Wooden Splinters

Apart from thorns, wooden splinter injuries of the extremities are the most widespread cause of admissions to emergency departments. It is hardly surprising, given the fact that wood presents a natural habitat for bacteria and facilitates their entry into the body. Once the bacteria enter your bloodstream, it multiplies rapidly. At this stage, your immune system springs into action – it detects any foreign bodies (bacteria) and sends white blood cells to kill them. The potential infection is destroyed, inhibiting the spread of infection across the body. However, the outcome is not the same every time. Sometimes the infection remains in the body, growing in severity and worsening the condition.

Everyday Health / Via everydayhealth.com

Consequences of Delay in Splinter Removal

Your immune system does its best to isolate and contain the disease caused by any foreign element. However, if the splinter remains embedded for too long, the area swells up and collects pus, which is painful. This pus-filled growth is commonly known as an abscess, and you will require a doctor to drain the pus. Only then can the infected region start the healing process, and the splinter be removed from your foot. Doctors often prescribe a course of oral antibiotics to treat the infection. Under certain conditions, the splinter may become encysted. It gets coated with a layer of scar tissue and remains inside your feet as a small, firm nodule. Or, it works its way towards the surface of your skin, eventually popping up as a callus. Calluses resemble a dry, tough blister, and they open up to reveal the splinter underneath.

Take Preventive Action

Act quickly whenever you have a splinter lodged in your foot. Don’t ignore it thinking it’s just a tiny sliver of wood. The size of the particle does not matter; what matters is taking it out before infection can set in. If you do not take immediate action and allow it to get lodged deep in your tissues, it will cause tremendous pain, irritation, swelling and redness of the skin. So don’t wait for the condition to worsen. See a specialist as soon as you realize that some sharp objects have penetrated your skin.

Splinters are not nearly as harmless as they seem. Early removal is the best course of action; otherwise, the wound will continue to fester and give rise to severe health complications. If a fragment of wood, glass or metal lodges itself in your foot, don’t delay in seeking medical help. The city of Tampa has many walk-in clinics where you can get your splinter removed quickly. Doctors will remove the whole splinter from your foot, and so, there will be no risk of infection whatsoever.