Emacsp (Thmasville Ga) on 12/23/2013
I recently started a new job in a manufacturing plant that makes brass plumbing and heating parts. Many of the parts that I handle have fine metal shavings on them which tend to stick in your fingers and thumbs. Some of them end up getting buried just below the surface of the skin.
The shavings are very small and very hard to see. Once buried into the skin they cause soreness and pain when any area of the fingers, hands, and thumbs that have them come in contact with just about anything. At this point my fingers and thumbs are so sore that it's hard to use them.
Does anyone have any suggestions on anything that can be used to draw the shavings back up above the surface of the skin where they can be removed? Any and all ideas appreciated.
Replied by Cheri from Lincoln Park Nichigan on 12/23/2013
Have you tried magnets?
Replied by Timh from Ky, Usa on 12/24/2013
Emacsp: Some good steam room sweat treatment may work. For local only, try soaking your hands in warm water w/ added baking soda for a few minutes then dry hands and place a strong music speaker magnet over the affected area to draw out the metals.
Replied by Mmsg from Somewhere, Europe on 12/24/2013
Emacsp, you can try these 2 ideas:
1. soaking for 10 minutes in vinegar.
2. apply a "drawing salve" with icthammol in it.
And: pls wear protective gloves at work!!!
Replied by Om from Hope Bc Canada on 12/24/2013
Hi, the remedy for splinters in general is homeopathic and can be ordered from a health food store. The name is rather difficult but you can write it down: MYRISTICA SEBIFERA. I would ask for 30C strength.
This is a useful item for everybody's use. Regards, Om
Replied by Theresa from Mpls., Mn on 12/24/2013
Hey Emacsp!
I ditto the suggestion of homeopathic Myristica Sebifera - useful for expelling foreign bodies.
Another thought: Elmer's glue applied as a masque to your hands, let dry and peel off. It may be helpful to let the mask remain overnight on the affected areas and then peel off in the morning.
Replied by David from Los Angeles California on 12/24/2013
I wonder if PRID a drawing salve for splinters would work for metal? There are other brands of drawing salve. Ask the pharmacy for others that work for splinters. You rub the salve on the skin and this draws the splinter out. I've never tried it on metal but it works well with wood.
Replied by Emacsp from Thomasville Nc on 12/28/2013
I appreciate everyone's suggestions. So far I have tried soaking my hands in vinegar. It gave some relief from the pain, but didn't draw out any of the metal.
I purchased and applied PRID drawing salve. It did seem to draw out some of the shavings on the first day I applied it (Christmas day), but I have not been able to leave it on my fingers for any extended time since then due to my work schedule. I am going to try it this weekend when I should be able to leave it on for 10 or more hours.
I have not tried the baking soda or magnets yet.
Replied by Timh from Ky, Usa on 12/29/2013
Thanx for the follow up as it helps to reduce speculation from actual healing.
Replied by PaintyLiz from Ft Worth TX on 07/08/2026
Put it on overnight. Wear thin gloves if you don't want to get it on your bedding :)
