Getting a splinter is a common occurrence, especially for those who enjoy gardening or spending time outdoors. While most splinters are easily removed and pose no significant threat, some can be problematic. But Can Splinters Travel Through Your Body? This article explores the potential dangers of splinters, the risk of infection, and when to seek medical advice.
For most people, removing a splinter with tweezers or fingernails is a simple task. However, when a splinter is difficult to extract, it’s natural to wonder if it will eventually come out on its own or if it’s safe to simply ignore it. According to Dr. Adam Sheridan, a dermatologist and spokesman for the Australasian College of Dermatologists, the answer depends on several factors.
The Risks Associated with Splinters
While horror stories about splinters are rare, they often involve splinters from plant material.
“Nine times out of 10, splinters are trivial things. But the classic scenario where things go wrong and end up in our clinic relates to vegetable matter,” Dr. Sheridan explains. “They are the ones that most often cause infection and an immune reaction. The splinter is seen as a living foreign body and we’re designed to reject that.”
Splinters made of inert, non-living materials like metal or glass are less likely to trigger an immune response. However, all splinters carry some risk.
Infection Risk: A Major Concern
Any break in the skin, including a splinter wound, can serve as an entry point for microbes. Organic splinters, in particular, are likely to carry bacteria and fungi that can lead to infections. This can manifest as pain, swelling, and redness around the splinter site.
For example, rose thorns can be contaminated with a fungus called Sporothrix, leading to fungal infections. Gardeners should be aware of this risk when pruning roses.
Red lumps in a line on the skin after a splinter can indicate fungal infection.
If a fungal infection develops, you might notice a painful nodule or non-healing lump on your finger. In some cases, a line of red, inflamed lumps may appear along your arm, a pattern known as sporotrichoid spread. This indicates the infection is spreading along the lymphatic system, which plays a vital role in fighting infections. These sores require antifungal medication and can persist for years if left untreated.
Plant splinters can also carry bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, commonly known as golden staph. A splinter in the foot infected with golden staph can result in a visible red streak traveling up the leg within 24 hours, due to inflammation in the lymph vessels.
Can a Splinter Travel Through Your Body? The Lymphatic System’s Role
While splinters don’t literally “travel” in the sense of moving freely through your bloodstream, the infection they cause can spread through the lymphatic system. As mentioned above, sporotrichoid spread and red streaks up the leg are signs that the infection is moving along the lymph vessels. If left untreated, such infections can become severe, leading to fever, chills, and potentially septicaemia or blood poisoning.
Should You Remove the Splinter?
Dr. Sheridan’s general advice is that if a splinter is easily accessible, you should remove it, regardless of its material. However, he cautions against using dirty tools or digging excessively, which can increase the risk of infection.
If the splinter is deep, difficult to remove, or you suspect it’s from plant material, seek medical attention from your GP within 48 to 72 hours to prevent infection.
While splinters made of glass, metal, or plastic may be less risky, it’s still wise to monitor them closely. Individuals with diabetes, weakened immunity, or blood vessel disease should be particularly cautious with any type of splinter.
Infected splinters may require surgical removal under local anaesthetic, followed by thorough cleaning of the area. Medication may also be necessary to prevent further infection spread.
Can Splinters Emerge on Their Own?
The body has natural mechanisms to expel splinters. Movement can help a splinter “work its way out,” and immune cells migrating to the area can also contribute to its expulsion, although this may cause localized pain.
“You get a build-up of pus under pressure, an abscess, and if it bursts, the splinter can float out,” Dr. Sheridan says.
The natural shedding of skin cells can also push a splinter to the surface.
Red lumps in a line on the skin after a splinter can indicate fungal infection.
However, if the body fails to eliminate a splinter, it may encase it, forming an internal lump called a granuloma. The splinter may re-emerge years later or remain dormant within the granuloma.
Conclusion: Prioritize Prompt Removal and Medical Attention When Needed
While most splinters are harmless and easily removed, some can lead to infections that, if left untreated, can spread through the body via the lymphatic system. Prompt removal is crucial, and medical attention should be sought for deep, difficult-to-remove splinters or any signs of infection. Being proactive about splinter removal and seeking timely medical care can prevent complications and ensure your well-being.
