What happens if you don’t remove a splinter?
I was working with wood and got a tiny splinter. I tried pulling it out but to no avail. It’s only painful when pressed, and it doesn’t bother me that much, so I’m thinking of just leaving it lol
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The best that can happen is your body will push the splinter out by itself somehow – your shedding skin can take it out with it, your movements can push it out, or your body will form pockets of pus to get the splinter out.
Not the best, but not the worst situation that can happen is your body will form a granuloma or an internal lump and encase the splinter. It can stay as a “dormant” lump inside your body, and the splinter can resurface even after years later.
The worst that can happen is a full-blown infection. The skin is “is a physical barrier that prevents infections,” and the splinter broke that barrier – leaving an opening and worse, even carrying an infection straight in.
That said, it is recommended that you remove a splinter right away if it can be easily removed – else, seek help from medical professionals.
Conclusion: Remove the splinter – better safe than sorry.
Sources:
https://www.livescience.com/65710-should-you-always-remove-splinters.html
https://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2017-06-28/what-happens-if-you-dont-remove-a-splinter/8656250