How to Get Glass out of Your Foot

How do I remove a chunk of glass?

Clean around the wound with soap and water. Before you get started, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds; this way, you won’t introduce any germs or dirt to the wound. Then, dip a cloth or paper towel into warm, soapy water and clean around the injury.

Pull out the glass with tweezers. Clean off a set of tweezers with rubbing alcohol. Then, carefully pinch the glass with the tweezers, removing it from your skin. If the piece of glass is really small, view it through a magnifying glass as you remove it with the tweezers.

How do you remove a glass splinter under the skin?

Lightly pierce the skin with a clean sewing needle. Wipe down the needle with rubbing alcohol and figure out exactly where the splinter is. Then, gently prick the skin on top of the splinter. Use the needle to lift up 1 side of the splinter, so it’s easier to remove. If one end of the splinter is already sticking out, you may not need to pierce your skin. Just grab the end with your tweezers and carefully pull it out.

Remove the splinter with a clean pair of tweezers. Wipe down your tweezers with rubbing alcohol and pinch the raised tip of the glass splinter. Then, carefully lift and remove the splinter from your foot.

Can you soak a splinter out?

Possibly, but it’s not a replacement for a needle and tweezers. Before pulling out a glass splinter, some experts suggest soaking the splinter in warm water for a couple minutes, so the skin is soft and easier to work with. Ultimately, it’s the needle and tweezer that will help you get the splinter out.

What do you do once the glass is removed?

Bandage the wound and apply antibiotic ointment. Once you’ve removed all the glass, clean off the wound again with soap and warm water. Then, gently rub an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment like Polysporin around the injury. Throw out the glass shard or splinter once you’ve removed it. To be safe, cover any leftover cuts or wounds with a clean bandage.

Should I get medical assistance?

Yes, if the wound is severe. Minor splinters and shards are one thing, but you shouldn’t try to handle any major injuries on your own. If the glass is embedded really deep, call emergency services or visit an urgent care facility right away. Before getting help, wrap the wound with gauze, and place padding around the glass. Then, gently but carefully wrap a clean bandage or cloth around the injury.

Can I leave glass in my foot?

Yes, if the glass sliver is tiny and not causing any pain. If the sliver isn’t lodged that far in the skin, it’ll eventually fall out as your skin sheds naturally. You might also notice a small pimple form where the glass sliver used to be—this is totally normal, and just your body’s way of getting rid of the sliver.

Can you use baking soda to get glass out of your foot?

Possibly, but there’s not much evidence to support it. The only places that really advertise this method are blogs, forums, and life hack sites. Unfortunately, no medical sources or experts officially back these claims. Similarly, there’s no concrete medical evidence that vinegar or an Epsom salt bath will help, either.