Getting a piece of hair stuck in your skin can be very painful. Unless you remove the splinter quickly, it can lead to infection, inflammation, and a condition called “creeping eruption,” which results in a dark line that moves across the surface of your foot, according to a new report in The Journal of Emergency Medicine.
Usually, you can remove a hair splinter at home. However, it's important to properly inspect the area and to soak or use a first aid spray that will help minimize pain.
The most common complication of a hair splinter is an infection. This is due to bacteria, fungi, or other organisms entering the skin where the splinter is embedded and causing irritation and inflammation. It is also possible for the splinter to be pushed further into the skin by the attempt to remove it. To prevent this, it's important to use good lighting and a magnifying glass to correctly inspect the area. It's also recommended to soak the area in Epsom salts or soapy lukewarm water, apply a baking soda paste (1/4 tbsp of baking soda with a little water), or use a first aid spray that numbs the skin to make it more pliable.
Once the splinter is visible, use a pair of clean and sterilized tweezers to pull it out. It's best to pull it out in the same direction that it entered your skin. Once the splinter is removed, wash the area with soap and water, apply antibiotic ointment or Vaseline(r) on it, and cover it with a bandage.