Gardening without gloves or walking barefoot in the forest can sometimes get you into trouble. The good news is that if you have burrs on your skin, there are many home remedies you can use to get rid of them, from making a baking soda paste to using glue to pull them out with the help of vinegar. What should not be neglected is cleaning the area to be treated first and after treatment to prevent infection.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Preparing the Parts Affected by Thorns
Step 1. Clean the pricked area with soap and water
Before removing the thorn, the most important thing to do is to clean the area of the skin where the thorn is pricked. Choose a mild soap and then wash the affected area with warm water before the extraction process begins.
- Do not rub the affected area as this can push the thorn deeper into the skin.
- Pat the affected area with a clean cloth to dry it.
Step 2. Don't try to squeeze the thorn to get it out
You may be tempted to squeeze and fiddle with the area around the thorn to force it out. As a result, this action will actually push the thorn deeper into or break it into several pieces, thus complicating existing problems. Don't do it, but try another way to get it out.
Step 3. Examine the punctured part carefully
Check the angle and depth of the burr so you can find a way to remove it. The method or methods used depend on the angle and depth of the thorn. Notice how close the thorns are to the surface and whether there is a layer of skin growing over them.
- If the tip of the thorn is sticking out, you may be able to remove it with tweezers or a tape.
- If the thorn is deeply embedded in the skin, you may need to remove it.
- If the burr has become covered with a new layer of skin, you may need to use a needle or razor.
Step 4. Know when it's time to visit the doctor
If the burr remains in the skin for several days and you notice signs of infection, see a doctor immediately to have it removed. You should not attempt to pull it out yourself, as this can be dangerous. The doctor can remove the thorns and treat and cover the wound to heal the infection.
- If the wound oozes blood or pus, go to the doctor immediately.
- If there is itching, redness and swelling, immediately consult a doctor.
Method 2 of 3: Removing Thorns That Are Not Too Deep
Step 1. Try using tweezers
This is the easiest and fastest way if any part of the thorn is sticking out. Make sure you use a clean or sterile pair of tweezers. Take a pair of tweezers and pinch the tip around the tip of the thorn, then pull it outward in the opposite direction from where the thorn entered.
- Make sure in which direction you need to pull the thorn. If it is not certain, you need to use another method.
- Don't pick at the thorns with tweezers if they're not too deep, as you could injure the affected area. Use another method instead.
Step 2. Using plaster
Another way to remove the thorn if some of it is sticking out is to use tape. You just need to apply a small amount of tape over the punctured area. Gently press over the tip of the thorn, then remove the tape.
- Don't press too hard on the tape, or the thorns will sink deeper into the skin.
- You can use masking tape or masking tape, but as much as possible don't use a tape that can leave residue and make the sore area worse.
Step 3. Using drawing salve (salve to treat inflammation)
If the tip of the thorn is embedded, use this ointment to remove a bit of the thorn to expose the tip. If the tip is sticking out, you can remove it with tweezers. This technique takes a little longer than the others, but is very effective at removing the thorns if a new layer of skin has not covered them.
- Apply ichthammol ointment (also known as black drawing salve) on the affected area, then cover with a bandage. You can also use a little Epsom salt.
- Leave it overnight. Remove the plaster in the morning and then rinse thoroughly. Remove the thorns by pinching the ends with tweezers.
Step 4. Using baking soda
If you don't have ichthammol ointment, this technique can also be used. Make a thick paste of a mixture of water and baking soda and apply it on the affected area. Put the plaster on it and let it work overnight. The next morning, remove the plaster and then rinse. This process will remove the thorns so you can remove them with tweezers.
Step 5. Try raw potatoes
The content of raw potatoes works similarly to drawing salve, popping thorns up to the surface of the skin. Cut fresh raw potatoes, then prepare small slices. Place it on the affected area and hold it with a plaster. Let it work overnight. Remove the tape in the morning and then clean it, then pull out the thorns with tweezers.
Step 6. Using the vinegar bath
Pour white vinegar into a bowl, then soak the thorn-pierced part. After 20 minutes or so, the thorns will pop up to the surface and the protruding ends can be removed. This is a great way for fingers or toes to soak them in a small bowl.
Step 7. Use white glue that students usually use at school (white school glue)
Apply a small amount of white glue on the affected area and let it dry. As the glue dries, it will absorb the moisture from your finger, allowing the thorns to pop up to the surface. When you clean the glue that has dried, the thorns will pop out.
- Do not use other types of glue. The superglue and glue that is commonly used for heavy work makes it even more difficult to remove the burr.
- This method is very suitable if the position of the spine is close to the surface of the skin.
Method 3 of 3: Removing the Deeper-Located Thorns
Step 1. Use a needle to remove the thorns
If the thorn is located just below the thin layer of soft skin that has begun to grow over the thorn, then this method is most suitable for use. Even so, you need to use the right technique so that bacteria don't infect the skin and cause infection. Here's how to do it:
- Ensure the pricked area is clean and dry.
- Sterilize sewing needles with rubbing alcohol.
- Place the tip of the needle over the tip of the thorn and gently loosen the layer of skin that has just grown there by sticking the needle under the skin. Loosen the skin around the spines.
- Once any part of the spine is exposed, remove it with the help of tweezers.
- Clean the previous part with a mixture of warm water and soap. Apply plaster if necessary.
Step 2. Use a razor blade to pierce into thick skin
The thorns embedded in thick calluses can be removed with a razor. You should only use this method for thick skin on the heels or calluses on other areas. Do not use this method on thin skin, as you could cut the skin deep into the skin. If this is the method you choose, be careful when using the razor.
- Ensure the punctured area is clean and dry.
- Sterilize razors with rubbing alcohol.
- Make a careful incision over the spine to expose it. On calluses, this should not cause any bleeding.
- Use tweezers to remove exposed thorns.
- Clean the affected area and then apply a plaster if necessary.
Step 3. Visit a doctor
If the thorn is too deep to be removed by yourself, or if it gets into a sensitive area such as the eye, you should immediately go to the doctor for a quick and thorough removal. Doctors have the appropriate equipment to remove spines with a very low risk of infection.
Tips
- When gardening, wear thick gloves to protect your hands from thorns.
- Always be careful.
- Thorns are usually easier to remove than splinters, which generally cause more pain.
