Your child had an object (like a splinter or a piece of glass) stuck in the skin. The health care provider removed the object. 

It's important to check your child's wound regularly over the next week or so. That way you can watch to see if there are any pieces of the object left behind in the skin or signs of infection.

Follow your health care provider's instructions for:

• How and when to clean the wound.
• Covering the wound after cleaning, if needed. (Sometimes these wounds are left uncovered so they can heal better.)
• Activities to avoid (such as swimming or soaking in water).
• Whether it's OK to give medicines, such as:
  • Antibiotic skin ointment 
  • Antibiotic liquid or pills to take by mouth
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol^® or a store brand) or ibuprofen (Advil^®, Motrin^®, or a store brand) for pain. Follow the directions on the label for how much to give and how often. Don't give ibuprofen to babies under 6 months old.

General Reminders

• Check the wound every day for signs of infection, like redness, swelling, or drainage.
• Watch for any pieces of the object that may have been left behind. You may see them under the skin or feel them if they come to the surface of the skin. Don't try to remove the object yourself unless your health care provider says it's OK.

• Your child gets a fever
• The wound is red, swollen, or draining pus
• The wound is bleeding
• A piece of the object still seems to be stuck under the skin
• The wound doesn't start to heal after a few days

How can we prevent splinters and other objects from getting in the skin? Teach kids to:

• Avoid rubbing against wood or metal surfaces (picnic tables, outdoor furniture, playground equipment, railings, toys).
• Wear shoes on decks, boardwalks, and docks, and when wading in water.
• Wear slippers or shoes or avoid the area if there's broken glass or other sharp items on the floor or ground.
• Put away pins and sewing needles after use.
• Stay away from bushes and plants with thorns or spikes.