How to Remove a Staple from Your Skin

Posted on October 18th, 2009 by Elaine

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Being a handyman, you must be used to having a stapler gun or staple in your hand and using it properly. Sometimes, though, your hand can slip and you’ll end up with blood and a staple embedded in your skin. It’s alarming, but it’s not very difficult to remove. Here’s what to do.

What You’ll Need:

Ice
Antibacterial soap
Water
Tweezers or needle-nose pliers
Bandage (optional)
Soft and clean cloth
Alcohol
Nail file

Procedure:

Put some ice over the affected area to numb it, so you’ll feel the pain less.
Use water and antibacterial soap to wash the area around your injury, making sure obvious signs of dirt are removed.
Pull the staple out. If it’s a regular light staple, use a pair of tweezers, but if it’s a heavy type, use a needle-nose pliers. Dip the tips of the instrument you’re using in alcohol, to remove any dirt stuck to it.
If the staple is flushed against the skin and pinching it, wedge it out first with a firm and flat item, like a nail file. Dip the file in alcohol first, too. As you pull out the staple, follow the exact angle where it entered. It will come out fairly easily.
If the staple is stuck, it might have bent. At this point, it’s best to seek medical attention to avoid further injury.
Check your wound, and make sure no part of the staple remains. If it’s bleeding, allow it to run for five minutes, to flush out materials that may cause infection.
Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water. If you want to protect the area, apply a bandage to it. You might need to have a tetanus shot.

Taking out a staple by yourself is easy, although it’s painful. See a doctor if you see other painful effects, such as swelling, redness or pus. The wound might be infected.