Summer is a fantastic time to enjoy playing outside! It’s fun to walk barefoot on the beach or by the pool, but when playing in the yard, it’s a good idea to wear shoes. Shoes help protect your feet from something called splinters.
A splinter is a tiny, sharp piece of something that can get stuck in your skin. You might think of splinters as being made of wood, but they can also be tiny pieces of glass, metal, or plastic. Splinters can come from things like playground equipment or plants.
Sometimes, splinters don’t go very deep into the skin and fall out without you noticing. But other times, they can go deeper and get stuck. This can hurt a little, and if they go in deep enough, you might even bleed. Often, you don’t realize you have a splinter until you accidentally push it deeper, which can be painful.
If you don’t notice a splinter right away, the skin around it can become puffy, red, and sore. These are signs that your body is trying to heal. However, your body can’t always remove a splinter on its own, especially if it’s covered in germs. Germs can cause an infection, so it’s important to tell a grownup if you get a splinter.
Removing a splinter is simple. First, wash the area with warm water and soap to get rid of germs. Soaking the area can also help soften the skin, making it easier to remove the splinter. If the splinter is under the skin, someone might need to gently push it until a little piece sticks out. Then, they can use tweezers to pull it out. Afterward, wash the area again and cover it with a bandage.
There are a few ways to avoid getting splinters. Be careful around plants with thorns or prickles, and try not to rub your hands over rough wood. Most importantly, wearing shoes is one of the best ways to protect your feet from splinters.
Now that you know how to stay safe from splinters, put on your shoes and enjoy playing outside! Thanks for joining us for this episode of SciShow Kids. If you want to keep learning and having fun, make sure to subscribe and join us every week!
Shoe Hunt Adventure: Go on a shoe hunt around your house or yard! Find different types of shoes and think about what each one is best for. Are they good for running, jumping, or playing in the mud? Talk with a friend or family member about why wearing shoes is important when playing outside. Can you think of any other reasons besides avoiding splinters?
Splinter Simulation: Create a simple splinter simulation using a piece of cardboard and toothpicks. Carefully poke the toothpicks through the cardboard to represent splinters. Use a pair of tweezers to practice removing the “splinters” safely. Remember to be gentle! Discuss with an adult how this activity relates to real-life splinters and why it’s important to remove them carefully.
Observation Walk: Take a walk around your neighborhood or local park with an adult. Look for things that might cause splinters, like wooden benches, fences, or certain plants. Make a list or draw pictures of what you find. Talk about how wearing shoes can help protect your feet from these potential hazards. Can you think of other ways to stay safe while playing outside?
