Splinters are tiny fragments of wood, metal, glass, plant thorns, or animal bone. You may get them on your hands and feet while handling some object or walking barefoot outdoors. [1]
Essential oils help you to draw out splinters without causing a wound. These essential oils for splinters may be effective as home remedies for treating an infection caused by splinters. [1]
A splinter penetrates your skin by ripping off your flesh. Hence you experience acute initial pain.
If the fragment is embedded in your skin tissue for an extended period, there might be an infection. Over time the skin area may become red, swollen and tender. [2] You must yank out a splinter from the skin at the earliest.
Read on to learn the benefits and uses of some essential oils that may be helpful.
Why Use Essential Oils for Splinters Removal?
Essential oils are essences of various plants with therapeutic properties. These oils originate from different parts of a plant or herb through steam distillation or a cold pressing process. [3]
People have been using essential oils from ancient times as home remedies. These herbal oils are a potent source of therapeutic properties. These include astringent, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antioxidant, etc. [3]
Some essential oils have high astringent values. So the oils may dry out the sebum or oily substance from your skin and shrink the splinter-affected surface. The oils may pull or draw the tiny splinters to the surface and help you pop them out.
The aromatic oils are rich in analgesic or pain relieving qualities. A topical application may calm the pain and irritations of minor cuts or splinters. [4] [5]
The oils’ anti-inflammatory properties may reduce the skin’s redness, swelling, and tenderness. [4]
Essential oils are excellent anti-bacterial and antiseptic agents. The oils may disinfect and draw out the pus along with the splinters. [5]
Thus the oils aid in healing the infection at the earliest, which provides the most crucial benefit of essential oils in managing splinters.
4 Effective Essential Oils for Removing Splinters
1. Lavender Essential Oil
When the archeologists opened the tomb of King Tutankhamen in 1923, a scent of lavender wafted in the air. This is because the ancient Egyptians used aromatic oil for mummification and fragrance.
Lavender oil is still famous worldwide because of its usefulness and heavenly aroma. The oil originates from the flower tops of lavender blossoms. [6]
Lavender oil is beneficial for drawing out splinters. In addition, it is an authoritative source of antioxidants, astringents, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties.
Moreover, lavender oil is the gentlest essential oil for topical use. [6]
2. Thieves Essential Oil
Thieves oil is a potent blend of five essential oils. These are Cinnamon, Lemon, Clove, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary oils.
The oil blend originated in medieval Europe during the time of spice trades and the black plague. [7] A recent research proves the 99% germ-killing prowess of thieves blend. [8]
Thieves oil is a popular home remedy for relieving pain and drawing out splinters from the skin bed. Moreover, the oil may treat infections, skin problems, respiratory disorders, and stress management. [9]
Frankincense is a sacred ingredient in different religious traditions and rituals. Frankincense oil or olibanum comes from the frankincense resin of Boswellia sacra tree.
Frankincense oil is prevalent in aromatherapy for a long list of therapeutic benefits. The oil may reduce the pain, swelling, redness, and infection associated with splinters. [10]
4. Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree oil is perhaps the most potent essential oil in the world as a remedy for a host of skin disorders.
The therapeutic oil originates from the Australian Melaleuca alternifolia plant. The oil has had a long tradition of healing among Australian Aborigines for the last 1000 years.
The oil has anti-bacterial effects. In addition, it may treat skin infections, wounds, cuts, bruises, and pains.
Tea tree oil has a high amount of astringent and antiseptic values. These properties are beneficial for infection or wounds caused by splinters.
A little amount of tea tree oil in undiluted form is safe to be used topically for splinters removal. [11]
How to Use Essential Oils for Splinter Removal
A topical application of the essential oils may soften and numb the splinter-affected skin area. In addition, these oils help you draw out the splinters overnight.
- You need 2-3 drops of your favourite essential oil, ½ tsp of any carrier oil, 1 fresh band-aid, and 1 pair of tweezers.
- Wash the splinter-affected skin area with warm water and dry it with a soft towel. Now pour your preferred essential oil onto a band-aid. Finally, stick the oil-soaked band-aid on the splinter-affected skin area.
- Leave the oil to work on the inflammation and draw the splinter to the skin’s surface. After 2-3 hours, remove the band-aid.
- Use a pair of tweezers or your fingers to pull off the splinter. You may repeat the treatment thrice daily if you find the splinter embedded in the muscle tissue.
Note: If you choose tea tree or clove essential oils, then dilute it with a carrier oil.
Conclusion
Essential oils for splinters can be a good home treatment. But if you fail to remove the splinters, you must seek medical attention.
Besides, if there are any infections due to the splinters, you must see a doctor immediately.
Splinters can be a nuisance and cause you lots of pain and discomfort. However, by using these essential oils, you may draw them out without any pain or risk of skin infections.
