How to Remove Thorns from Skin

Try using tweezers. This is the easiest and fastest method if part of the spine protrudes from the surface of the skin. Remember to use clean tweezers. Clip the tip of the tweezer to the tip of the spike and pull it out in the opposite direction that it pierces the skin.

• Make sure you know the direction of the spike when pulling it out. If it is not clear, you should use another method.
• Do not insert the tip of the tweezers into the skin if the spike is deeply embedded in the skin to avoid injury. Use another method.

Use adhesive tape. Another great way to remove a thorn that has a protrusion from the skin is to use tape. Simply place a piece of tape on the skin, gently press on the tip of the spike, and peel off the tape.

• Do not press too hard, or the thorns will be pushed even deeper.
• You can use clear or paper tape, but avoid using tape that leaves a lot of glue on the skin, as this will add to the trouble.

Use black ointment to push the spikes up. If the spike is submerged in the skin, you can use black ointment to push the spike up enough for the tip to protrude from the skin. Once the spike is exposed, you can use tweezers to pull it out. This method will take a little longer than the other methods, but it will work if a new layer of skin has grown over the puncture site.

• Apply ichthammp ointment (also called black ointment) to the prickly skin, then apply a bandage. You can also use a little epsom salt.
• Wait a night for the medicine to take effect. In the morning, remove the bandage and wash it off. Use tweezers to pinch the end of the spike and pull it out.

Use baking soda. If you don’t have ichthammp ointment, this will also help. Mix baking soda with water to make a paste and apply it on the puncture site. Apply a bandage and leave it overnight. In the morning, you will remove the bandage and wash it off. This method will push the spikes up to the surface of the skin and you can pull the tweezers out. ^[2]

Try raw potatoes. The ingredients in raw potatoes have the same effect as black ointment, helping the spines rise to the surface of the skin. Cut a raw potato and take a small slice of the potato. Place the potato slices on the thorns and stick them to the skin with a bandage. Leave it like that overnight. When you wake up in the morning, you will remove the bandage and wash the skin, then use tweezers to pull the thorn out. ^[3]

Soak in vinegar. Pour white vinegar into the basin and soak the prickly skin. After about 20 minutes, the thorn will be pushed to the surface of the skin and raised enough for you to pull the tip out. This method is suitable for getting thorns from hands or feet that you can soak in a small pot.

Use craft milk glue. Apply a bit of milk glue on the skin and wait for it to dry. As the glue dries, it draws moisture from the finger and causes the spike to move to the surface of the skin. When you peel off the glue, the thorn will come off with it. ^[4]

• Do not use any other glue. Super glue and other strong adhesives can make it even harder to remove the spikes.
• This is most effective when the thorn is already close to the surface of the skin.

Use a needle to pry the spines out. This method works well if the thorn is just under the thin, tender skin that has begun to heal above. However, it is important that you do the right technique so as not to introduce bacteria to the skin and lead to an infection. Do the following:

• Make sure the area where the spikes are inserted is clean and dry.
• Sterilize a sewing needle with rubbing alcohol.
• Press the tip of the needle into the tip of the spike and gently loosen the new skin that grows there by poking the needle underneath the skin. Loosen the skin around the spike.
• When the thorn is exposed enough, you can use tweezers to remove the thorn.
• Wash skin with soap and warm water. Bandage if necessary. ^[5]

Use a nail clipper or razor blade to deal with thick skin spikes. You can remove thorns in thick, calloused skin with a razor blade. Only use this method for thick skin on the heels or calloused areas. Do not apply this method on thin areas of skin, as it is easy to cut too deep. If you want to use this method, you need to be very careful when using a razor.

• Make sure the area where the spikes are inserted is clean and dry.
• Disinfect nail clippers or razors by wiping with rubbing alcohol.
• Carefully cut the top of the thorn so that it is exposed. You will not bleed if you cut on calluses.
• Use tweezers to pull out the exposed thorn.
• Rinse and re-bandage if necessary. ^[6]