Are You Sick?

Skin Foreign Object

Symptoms of a Foreign Object in the Skin

  • Pain. Most tiny slivers in the top layer of skin do not cause much pain. An example plant stickers. Objects that are deeper or go straight in are usually painful to pressure. Objects in the foot are very painful with standing or walking.
  • Foreign Object Sensation. People often say, "I feel something in there."

 Types of Foreign Objects

  • Wood (organic): splinters, cactus spines, thorns, toothpicks. These objects are irritating and become infected if not removed.
  • Metallic: BBs, nails, sewing needles, pins, tacks
  • Fiberglass slivers
  • Fishhooks may have a barbed point that makes removal difficult
  • Glass sliver
  • Pencil lead(graphite, not truly lead)
  • Plastic sliver