I have a bit of an issue here, and was hoping for some insightful advice.
Thursday afternoon I assembled a workstand using 80/20 anodized aluminum extrusions. 80/20 extrusions normally come with some metal swarf and sharp chips from when they were cut down to size, which I typically carefully remove by tapping the extrusions into the box they arrive in. The large chips fell out of the crevices and all seemed to be well.
Advertisement
Well, Thursday night I was sitting on the couch and felt an invisible splinter in my right thumb. I moved to the light to take a closer look, thinking it was a small sliver of aluminum.
What I found was that I have very many tiny dust-sized aluminum chips embedded in all of the fingertips of both my hands, and some in my palms as well.
When I hold a flashlight up to my fingers it looks like I stuck my hand into some fine silver glitter.
The swarf is dust-sized and is too miniscule to mechanically remove from my skin. Except for the invisible splinter in my thumb, I don’t feel any of the sharp embedded swarf/slivers, but I can see them as the small facets reflect light.
I wore gloves for most of the project, but did not for final assembly. I suppose my warm sweaty hands probably made my skin more welcoming for the aluminum.
Advertisement
I am fairly sure these particles are aluminum, as I didn’t handle any cut steel products for a long time. The aluminum dust matches what can be rubbed off 80/20 products.
I spoke with my cousin, who is a PA, and she recommended warm water soaks. She also said that there really isn’t anything else that could be done at a doctor’s office.
I have tried multiple hand washes, tape, Elmer’s glue, and warm water soaks, but 4 days later my fingertips are still glittery from the 80/20 components. I am reluctant to try a scrub brush, as this might drive the slivers even deeper into the skin.
Tape helped at first, and I can see metal flakes in the glass bowl after each warm water soak, but the darned aluminum slivers are still there.
When I say small, I mean immeasurably small. I can only see them in direct lighting, as light bounces off the reflective flat-ish silvery surfaces.
I figure that my body will encapsulate and eventually eject the slivers over time, but until that happens my concern is that I might transfer the small sharp dust to my food, my face, my eyes, or my wife.
Larger slivers and splinters I can deal with, but these ultra-fine micro swarf slivers are driving me crazy. I don’t feel them, but knowing that they’re there makes me reluctant to touch my face and rub my eyes.
What do you guys recommended for removal of the ultra-fine aluminum swarf?
Disclaimer: None of this should be considered as professional medical advice. For proper medical advice concerning metal swarf or debris embedded in your skin, consult with your doctor or another medical professional.
fred
Probably no better than Elmer’s – but how about a little rubber cement ?
Otherwise I guess it will need to wait until the skin naturally exfoliates.
Stuart
I wanted to avoid harsher chemicals that might do more damage than good. Elmer’s is pretty gentle stuff.
In addition to Elmer’s I tried the super-sticky plastic goop that you blow into bubbles with short straws. We bought a pack while in England a few years ago, but didn’t use it after seeing how sticky the glow in the dark ones were. Still sticky.
First I tried plastic shipping tape, then Duck duct tape, then Gorilla Tape. If the Gorilla Tape won’t grab onto the little aluminum flakes, I don’t think any other safe-for-skin-contact adhesive will.
fred
Probably wise to avoid anything very harsh or known to be toxic or carcinogenic.
During WWII in aircraft factories they used to clean the aluminum out of the teeth on files by dipping the file in hot sodium hydroxide (lye) – but I wouldn’t recommend it for your hands.
Larry
I’m a Journeyman Steamfitter/Welder with 33 years in the trade. For the last seven or eight years I’ve been getting metal shards and splinters in my hands. We are constantly cutting and grinding carbon and stainless steel pipe, fittings, plate, angle iron, etc.
as a result I’ve been hospitalized twice for infections, and as I write this, battling to keep the infection at bay. My hands/fingers are full of metal, I go through a half dozen pairs of gloves per week. My dermatologist is a PA and she sucks, I tell everyone at work and home; I’m going to die of an infection. I need real help
Western medicine’s answer is a bottle (or I.V.) of antibiotics. Please help if you can.
Sincerely,
Larry T. Pipefitters Local 636
Grosse Ile, MI
Kirk Beverley
Larry you have to find the source. Do you have any patterns on your hands? If so does it line up with any tools exhaust ports? It took me 8 months to figure mine out
Anon
Can you pull them out with a super high-powered magnet?
Matt
No it’s Alloy, not a Ferris metal.
Kien
I have one in my thumb from a shard flying of of a hammer. It healed fully and every time I squeeze it hurts like hell messing with the nerves to small to see but when I put a magnet against my finger I feel it pulling. Any recommendations. Tried using razor but I think it’s too deep.
Mj
Stop saying you are going to die; you are basically speaking a curse over yourself that satan would be happy to accomplish for you. Speak healing over yourself instead. Read the rest of these suggestions and try them. Our words have far more power than we realize. Be healed in Jesus’ name.
Michelle
Thank you!
Folks need to hear, here!!
Also, I’m in trouble with it all too.
My husband passed away last year, it’s time to move so I’ve been driving
his old souped-up pickup that he drove to the machine shop to work every day for years.
The dust and yuck swirling my dog and I for days, we’re ill!!
Skin, lungs, ears,…
What besides pray can i do??!!
I dont want to give it up either!
Windy
Try these skin friendly alternatives…
1.) SMILE’S PRID ALL NATURAL DRAWING SALVE $8.99 Soothing and yes, smells like a salve.
https://www.walgreens.com/store/c/smiles-drawing-salve/ID=prod6067870-product
Bentonite Clay
People have used it to remove impurities of the skin for thousands of years. It’s wonderful for many uses . Apply a thick layer and allow to dry thoroughly. Also, about $10. At Walgreens, Walmart, online everywhere.
Now, this was recommended to me and it took several attempts but did help clear skin after 2 Treatments. Go to the local beauty store and purchase the BRAZILIAN WAX. Not eyebrow wax or any of the soft melt waxes. The hard stuff. Made for a BRAZILIAN Wax. Follow instructions and what you do with the left over product is up to you. I would not use this product as intended.
Mike
Shave a potato for its pulp put it on a bandage and leave over the affected area over night. It should suck it out of your skin. I used to use this trick to get deep splinters out all the time
Tammy
So with the peeling on it? I have a metal flake deep in my skin that I can’t see it’s a coating from the outside of my knee scooter that peeled And when I grabbed it it went inside my finger I think I only got a little piece of it out the rest is still in there my finger is swollen it’s red and it’s very very warm it’s starting to scare me
Stuart
*I am not a medical professional.*
Swollen, red, and warm could be signs of an infection. If you don’t have a primary care doctor, consider an urgent care facility. Perhaps call them first to see what they advise.
I hope you feel better soon!
In the meantime, if I were in your shoes, I would apply a generous amount of antibacterial ointment and an adhesive bandage. If you’re worried about infection, redness, and warmth, the ointment and bandage might not be enough. But, it will help keep the area better hydrated, which could make extraction at the doctor’s office a little easier. I have found that it’s easiest to remove splinters and such either right after a long shower or after antibacterial ointment has been applied for a while, and more difficult when my skin is dry.
If you’re scared, a medical professional can give you peace of mind at the least, and extract it at best, leading to quicker relief.
*I am not a medical professional.*
Michelle
Oh ya!!
When my kids were little we were shown the,’Trick,’ with the Skin inside a raw egg shell!!
Worked like magic.
Dana
Larry, I know this post is old however, I would be very interested if you found a solution. I was a victim of 2 aerosol can explosions thrown in my bonfire. Its been 2 years and I still have glitter and foreign pieces of gross coming out of my skin. Im at my wits end with basically NO information on the internet, incompetent medical services, and even close friends thinking im doing this to myself purposely!!
Rae Barber
I have the same issue as you except idk how all these pieces of metal andglass got in my skin.
I literally have it over my entire upper body except for my face and back, with the bulk of it in my hands.
I have been literally digging this sht outof my skin for the past 4 years and i wish there were some way i could rid myself of it.
If you know a way, feel free to lmk cuz im dying to know
Lisa
Oh jeeze, Dana! I am not looking forward to what I’ve got going for 2 years!
I tried to fix a half completed and incorrectly installed aluminum under the door threshold by filing the crap out of it unprotected!
I have been pulling out chips, threads, shavings, and glitter from my feet, hands, and face for 4 months!
I tried Epsom salt with and without bentonite clay soaks, clay masks, duct tape, deep pore cleaning masks, baking soda pastes, and nothing worked well. I even tried using EDTA cream which is an acid typically used, among other things, to treat for heavy metal poisoning by binding with the metals in the body and eliminating them through pee and poo. I even rubbed it into the areas of the metals. It helped a bit to remove some of them, but as time goes on, more work their way closer to the surface.
I’m now realizing that it’s all over my house, and in my clothes, thanks to my dryer.
The sad truth I am discovering is that aluminum doesn’t dissolve, it can only change forms and it binds to the fibers in clothing.
I’ve done a lot of reading and found that baking soda, alcohol (not the kind I should be heavily drinking at this point), and borax added to the wash will, for lack of a better explanation, will deactivate it and turn it white. And the pinching stops.
I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, so if anyone else reads this and has a suggestion, please feel free. At this point, I will try anything since I practically dug holes to the other side of the earth via my body. I guess I figure there’s cosmetic surgery to fix any damage, but no surgery for “I’m gonna keep digging cuz this s$*t hurts!”
Lol
Maybe use a nail clipper or put your hand into water for the skin to turn it’s shape? I don’t know
Mel
Go to a health store ask them about some Indian clay. Indian Clay has the perfect ingredients to draw any and everything out including spider bite that’s what I used mine for. I was truly amazed and how well this stuff worked and it’s been around a very long time it’s worth a try I think you’ll be amazed at what comes out
Nick Phil
I recently got into some nettles, and by some I mean thousands in my hands, arms, legs, and feet. What worked well for me was to rub coconut oil on my arms/legs, my skin and pores seemed to start dripping almost like they were sweating. The next step was to apply a paste of double acting baking powder/ apple cider vinegar to arms and legs, and allow it to air dry. While the powder dries it seems to pull everything that is bedded in skin or pores along with it. I was actually in shock watching all the foreign materials leave my skin, and was in shock at how many metal particles came out of my hands that I did not know were in there. ( I did locksmith work for 8 years, up until 4 months ago, this treatment was a big eye opener because it caused me to realize my hands and feet were filled with key shavings, they are tiny almost hairlike pieces of nickle silver, brass, zinc, copper, iron, lead, aluminum, chromium, all the metals that key blanks are produced from.They almost jump out as the powder is drying, and clenching and tightening the hand muscles as hard as possible while the powder is working seems to really get them to pop out.After the powder dries, wash off and apply coconut oil again. I had to do this process several times over several days because they would not stop popping out. The chemicals basically do all the work, I was peddling backwards trying to get them out with tweezers and razor blades for several days
This seemed to be the best thing I could find to remove lots of swarf from skin and pores. I also notice how much better my hands and finger joints feel with the more metal that is removed. I believe all these metal slivers and also fine particles from angle grinder and dremel tool were causing me to have arthritis like symptoms, also causing my hands and feet to get colder than normal, more times than not.
Gladys
Hi there. I was wondering how much vinegar and baking powder you used.
And if it was baking powder or baking soda?
Jay
Reading this made me think you may obtain similar results with a facial mask product.
I sometimes use my wife’s cucumber facial mask, because I rub my face with dirty hands and end up with clogged pours, plus it feels good. Its basically a clear goo that shrinks as it drys. Just squeeze out a glob on your hands and spread it around. After it drys you basically peal it off your skin like a snake shedding.
They sell all kinds like Clay, Pomegranate, etc… . but I think the cucumber is the stickyist.
Brad
I have many microscopic pieces of copper and aluminum thru out my hands mostly coming out under fingernails,most painful thing I’ve felt.. I Wonder if the r22 that ran thru this for years is causing some of it..I pull them out and if you don’t clean what you are using,they will enter again immediately…Doctors are stumped,I was actually treated like I was on drugs because they couldn’t see in an X-ray.Please someone Help me get them out
Stuart
Have you seen a dermatologist?
Different kinds of dust could irritate skin, and that might require different treatment.
Amy
I recently got into a whole bunch of nettles I mean my whole body is covered in them I’ve dug holes trying to get them out and I can’t I’ve tried the baking soda paste and it looks like I’m starting to get infection when you got into the nettles was there like thousands in each hole well I guess 20 in each hole that you’re digging out of or am I going crazy
Sisi
Where, where do you find the needles that you use thousands? or where you talking about something such as acupuncture if so how do you go about the process and did your whole body have to be done…?
Daniel Mead
Thanks Nick I will definitely try this. My mom used baking soda and water on a bee sting and stinger stuck in my palm, so yes that makes sense. Thanks again for your fine remidy and knowledge.
Linda
Soak in water as hot as u can stand. Change water if it gets too many particles from your skin in it. At least 20 min and gentle move your hand in water periodically. Change out water if it gets too cool. After 20 minute or longer (whenever u r done hot soaking) immediately immerse hands in ice cold water for 30-60 seconds. When done… dry hands and attempt removing with duct tape.
Robert Lundell
My name is Robert. I’m in Phoenix AZ. What I did was use black head remover. Pull slow because it hurts really bad pulling 500 of these things out at once
Makana
My name is Makana Olayan i live in Hawaii.
My entire right arm is becoming unusable due to the exact situation.
I had it for 2 years before noticing.
Now even worse i have magnitized them.
There are many forms i have used all have worked.
1. Amonia just sprayed on for 7 seconds push them to the surface.
2. Baking soda and water paste
3. Veet facial hair remover
4. Magents very dangerous
7. Purple sand paper
Arini
Ok. I had been using steel wool to wash pots and pans and I unknowingly gotten metal hair-like fibers in my hands and fingers. My hands and fingers starting feeling sharp, stabbing pains whenever I grabbed or touched something. After trying about everything methods possible, I decided to make waterproof, stay put bandages with paper tap we and superglue. I secured the tape to the areas of soreness to protect me from bumping the metal pieces and embedding them any further into my really inflamed tissue. Then I took a cotton swab dipped in super glue and “painted a layer on top of the paper tape. Making sure to coat over areas of embedded metal ONLY. I waited to take the bandages off after work and pulled the bandages off and wow! The metal pieces came out too. You don’t have to wait all day to remove the tape with glue. Just make sure it’s dried completely. Then go ahead and grab an end piece of tape up from the skin that’s not glued and pull up slowly as the glued tape will also also lift up. The super glue adheres to the metal. Kinda like a wax strip but slower. I found the super glue bonded the paper tape with the metal fibers. Also used a sanding pumice stone when washing earlier, to help expose the pieces. I also used clippers to get the callus and dead skin off (debrising – trimming extra dead or magled tissue that is in the way, exposing the skin’s layer closest to the infected particles). I also use surgical soap or gold antibacterial soap to help keep it clean. It took a couple of days to get them all out. Or atleast the ones causing me pain. Good luck!
Johnny Hughes
The times I thought I was going to get infected but it seems like there gradually pushing forward fingernail clippers is the only things that I figured out that I pull them out if you don’t squeeze them tight I feel for you that was working on a car getting oilall over my hands and it just overbearing
Dak
In my experience, there’s no magical solution aside from exfoliation, so in the meantime, you are managing risk from the particles escaping from your hands. You’ll want to try and remove the particles that are ‘stuck in’ so that they don’t migrate in; those that are ‘on the surface’ will just come away with your skin as it wears.
If it won’t come out with aggressive tape, it likely won’t come out on anything else, either. However, you’ll want to continue to wash your hands and brush with a gentle brush, preferably a disposable surgical prep brush.
In addition, you can try to scrape out the most offensive remainders (those most likely to migrate inwards) with a knife (e.g. an Exacto-style knife) under good light with magnification, very, very carefully, and/or a good pair of tweezers with a sharp tip. I’m fond of “Uncle Bill’s Sliver Grippers” which I keep on my keychain in my briefcase.
If the particles get lodged under the skin and are painful, your physician can cut them out (which is about as pleasant as it sounds), and then you have to keep the wound clean, so you’ll want to try to get things out ASAP.
Next time, gloves. Disposable gloves are very very useful for this.
Good luck!
Stuart
Thanks!
I’ll look into brushing my hands every few times I wash. I have a few gentle Lee Valley brushes that might help without being too harsh or forceful.
During this morning’s soak I used a plastic glue scraper to gently scrape the tops of my fingers, but it doesn’t seem to have helped. I read about razors and X-Acto blades being used to scrape fine swarf from fingers, but am hesitant that this could make things worse. I don’t know how well an X-Acto would work on slivers this fine.
I also have Uncle Bill’s Sliver Grippers, but these slivers and swarf are way too fine for it to pick up. With Uncle Bill’s tweezers, I would end up ripping away more skin than aluminum.
I typically wear gloves, but in this case I focused on the large slivers and then forgot that there could be dust/micro-swarf.
Right now I still have minor discomfort in my right thumb, but cannot identify the exact spot. The other fingers don’t physically bother me a bit aside from being dry and full of aluminum glitter. I figured that the most a doctor would say is to let my body handle removal.
Lacy
I use a sterilized nail clippers to remove metal particles on my hand. I cook, but there was a hazardous knife drawer and the handles plus my sweaty palm gave me bumps all over. I cut them out.
For the record, I have amazing knives and would never keep them in a drawer.
Scott Lampert
I’m a machinist/maintenance mechanic in an aircraft landing gear manufacturing shop. This is my life all day, every day. I try to get them with tweezers & lighted magnifying mirrors we have in shop (blue light highlights them well too), Cintas stocks our first aid kits with “Splinter-outs” that can dig them out often. Still I frequently find imbedded chips/slivers poking me a few times a week once I get home. Out comes the “self surgery” kit of
x-acto knife & precision tweezers. Nail clippers can take them out along with a chunk of epidermis lol. I’m laughing at the talk of dying from septic infection, c’mon buttercup toughen up. It’s just part of my life & worst case is I wait for it to encapsulate or come out with minor infection (wood splinters are far more likely to form pocket of infection than metal). Welcome to my life.
Chuck
Scott, please help. I need a training session on removing silverplated flakes from my index finger. I wore disposable gloves while taking down a fence. Some of the screws were not backing out and as I guided them with my hand several metal particles penetrated the thin glove material. Its been 4 months. My doctor doesnt want to cut them out cause he cant see them.
Rebecca J. Doster
I have over a hundred metal splinters in my hands right now from decorative ribbon. I was wearing disposable gloves at the time. They just pierced through them with no problem. I’m about to try the baking soda and vinegar remedy.
Joe 'the Pro' Sainz
Keep in mind that sometimes I’m a little too aggressive with stuff like this – I’d use sandpaper if it’s really bothering you. Take a bit of the top layer off, along with the metal.
Stuart
I might try that out with a finger or two if I can find my fine-grit wet/dry sandpaper. But I also don’t want to drive the particles deeper, or add silicone carbide or aluminum oxide particles to the mix.
I did try pumice and walnut shell industrial soaps, as well as a sea salt scrub, and I don’t think they helped.
80/20 responded to my email and said to try coarse-particle machine shop soap. I might have a pumice bar, which could be better than liquid or gel if it can lift the particles off the skin.
Right now it looks like I’m going to have to play the waiting game.
firefly
Tough it out and it nature take it course is your best option. I know it’s irritating but most likely everything else would just make it worse.
Sarah
Nature doesn’t take its course with metal
Steve
Hot glue.
Kevin
I had had a lot of success with duct tape on fiberglass from my arms. Just take a piece and repeatedly apply and peel from affected area. You may need two to three fresh pieces.
Tara
I literally go threw rolls of this stuff a month! I dumbly bought a bench grinder and eagerly think hastily owwwwwe my grinder!!! (Gloves HA what are they… Until it’s too late) so as a self made personal genius when dealing with non magnetic metal fibers in my hand and arms the best I have found is.. First cold very soapy gently wash… Tape session 1.. Immediately warm soapy water gently wash them tape again… Wake up next marking gently wash and take session again… Gets most of it in two settings..
Farid Masri
Stuart,
This might seem counter intuitive, but the best thing you can do now is keeping your hands well moisturized. With all that washing ans scrubbing, there is a risk of drying the skin and cracking, which will only make the problem worse.
Mike47
Johnson & Johnson has a line of Flexible Fabric Band Aids that have the most aggressive skin adhesive I’ve ever come across. They stick way better than duct tape or common glues. I’d try them. Just don’t get them too close to that cut! Removing the tape takes a lot of pull, and you have to push down on the skin next to the tape when removing.
Stuart
I might try that, thanks! Nexcare’s waterproof bandages also have a very tight-fitting adhesive, so I might try that on my thumb with the invisible sliver.
A warm soak brought up two slivers that I removed with tweezers. At this point I think most of the larger ones are out. I’ll do another soak later and then give up.
The flashlight method for finding them is no longer effective, as it’s hard to differentiate aluminum slivers from sweat glands. I suppose that means my hands are REALLY clean at this point.
mike
Working in a machine shop,im always getting chips,shavings of all kinds in my hands. Generally a nice pair of tweezers,or an X-acto knife blade do it for me.
Lava soap works even thou i dislike it because it dries the heck out of my hands,add a little softsoap or palmolive and most anything comes off.
Daniel
Exfoliate. Soak in hot water then scrub, scrub, scrub. I remember when my brother had a issue with some carbon fiber pieces he was cutting. Had the bright idea to just wipe his hands on his shirt. Next day his stomach looked like a severe case of poison oak. Also happened to go potty while he was working so his bits weren’t any better. I gave him an exfoliating pad, and told him to keep it. A hot shower and lots of scrubbing took care of it.
Jim
Did you consider a vacuum with a micro-nozzle or placing your hands into an ultrasonic cleaner?
Stuart
The vacuum part sounds interesting.
I actually did wonder whether an ultrasonic cleaner would work, but I don’t own one yet. It inherently seems like a bad idea to stick one hand’s in an ultrasonic cleaner, so that’s probably not something I would try.
Jim
What is inherently dangerous about an ultrasonic cleaner. It is the solution that would be the concern. Just use water. It is the cavitation action you are leveraging.
Stuart
To be honest, I don’t remember. I just remember that when I worked in a lab the SOP said “do not stick fingers or hand into running ultrasonic cleaner.” When I looked into it I saw similar warnings elsewhere.
Andy
Hi
my names Andy. I have the exact same problem. I don’t know what to do. I was attacked by a woman who lives in the same house I do. She covered my clothes in what looks like tiny tiny pieces of metal and I’ve also woken up with burning on my face, genitals and and I think I ingested it as well. Ive stomach pain but its level 3 out of 10. I dont bother with doctors because I garentee they’ll treat me like I’m a drug addict or worse mentally unstable. None of these are correct. The peices are so small that I need magnification and bright light to see them. I’m scared because she said I’d be dead within 3 months and I’m constantly uncomfortable.
Question: did you have any luck removing the metal fibres. Will my skin remove these by itself.
Thank you for your time.
Andy
Stuart
You should contact the police and seek medical advice from a medical professional.
jeff
I have 2 ultrasonic cleaners, a cheap crappy one, works wonders on my finger nails. Then I also have a very large (3 gallon large) commercial one, put your hand in that for more than a second and it feels like it is on fire. Just flicking your fingers into it for a fraction of a second will make almost all grime come right off.
But I have read that the cavitation creates a miniature vacuum and a small ball of plasma, and can destroy cartilage, causing arthritis. So now I only do it every now and then.
Phil
Soaking helps the skin to swell and release the metal bits, and I have resorted to dragging my fingers across (not along!) sharp edges to abrade and catch the pieces. It’s an occurrence that comes with the territory. I get it a lot when driving lots of drywall or decking screws when I initially hold them between my fingers rather than using my collated screwgun. Very sticky tape like Gorilla Tape can get some out as well. For those pesky splinters that are just the size to go just deep enough to cause sensations, I use very fine, needle-tipped tweezers by Erem and a magnifier to pluck them out.
Bill K
Have you taken you finger nail or similar bladed object and pushed it tangentially into and across athe skin towards one of these slivers? This squeezes the skin, forcing a long slender sliver up and out. This is especially good for slivers to small for tweezers. If all else fails, a small shaft needle can be used to go in and pluck them out.
SteveR
Stuart–I was going to suggest Lava soap also, as it is just abrasive enough to remove bits that you have on your skin. I am supposing that, at this juncture, you’ve removed as much of the surficial material as is possible. Anything still there is likely subdermal and won’t be readily removed by further abrasive action without taking layers of skin with it. Not a good thing, as it will leave your hands red and very tender, which would be worse than what you now have.
I don’t think the amount of embedded aluminum will cause any medical issues for you. I’d be more concerned if you inhaled the aluminum. You might schedule an appointment with a dermatologist (if your insurance covers it) and allow the doctor to see it; he or she may have a solution. There may be a salve or compound available that will safely remove the fine specks you can still see. Your body will likely encapsulate the small bits and deal with them in its’ own way. You’ve probably gone as far as you can with it on your own.
One other thing you might do is to look up the MSDS on “Aluminum” for more information on dealing with the fine specks and slivers. As you know, they have to describe a product’s composition and cover the hazardous effects at a minimum, but it may give you some suggestions on what to do next. There probably is an Aluminum Manufacturers Council or a trade union for aircraft workers that may have some useful information, as well. Good luck.
Stuart
I think most of the flecks are gone, but will do another soak today just to be sure the ones that can be removed are loosened.
Most of the MSDS for aluminum specifically mention dust as inhalation hazard. Other than that it’s a skin and eye irritant, with no major health concerns.
MSDS for aluminum dust assumes raw powder or grinder-type dust production. These are tiny swarf, making them mechanically different.
My concern wasn’t so much about potential health issues, but the potential transference of the particles to other body parts (e.g. eyes).
The invisible splinter feeling in my right thumb still persists, but could potentially be residual injury that will simply heal on its own.
Other than being a little raw from the scrubbing and adhesive-removal techniques, I don’t think my skin is irritated enough to warrant seeing a dermatologist or other doctor. At this point there is no actions that they could take that would be more beneficial than letting my body handle the few remaining foreign bodies.
Kirk Beverley
Will you please contact me. This is most definitely from a rigid power tool or dremel 4200. Do you own any of those? I have been affected twice by this and though it was fiberglass until last night noticing that the first time it was my right hand and now it’s my left, but if you wrap both hands around a power tool, the spots line up perfectly. I also dont think its aluminum because it’s way to strong, but I could be wrong. Could you please contact me to discuss this. [redacted]
Stuart
I’m sorry, but I don’t think I’ve ever heard of this happening. I could only guess as to what’s the cause. Could it be debris that worked itself into the housing and is being ejected at high speeds?
Kirk Beverley
It’s from the fiberglass brake in the sander. I wrap the sander with a clean paper towel and magically there was the tiny black fibers that turn white that are embedded in my hands/ groin/head, (I was shirtless at home). If I could somehow posts pics you would definitely agree. There isnt enough room in the sander to equal all the fiberglass I’ve prolly picked out. Ever notice how all the fibers was pointing same direction? Wrap your sander in clean paper towel with rubberband with top exhaust circled with magic marker from outside and sand with it for 5 minutes back of sandpaper so no particles are made. Inspect with flashlight and you will start to be so mad at the pain you have experienced. Them tiny almost invisible hairs/slivers cutting your skin as they pulled out.
Kirk Beverley
I was wrong, its was from Dremel 4200. I know exactly how it happened in my hand and what it is.
DanG
Stuart,
I’ve handled freshly cut aluminum before and being a knucklehead I did not use any gloves either. I usually notice the microscopic slivers when I rub my fingers together. I just grab one of my best pair of electronic screwdrivers and head to my nearest inspection lamp and very carefully pick them out. When the slivers are deep I soak my X-acto knife in alcohol and make tiny little incisions without bringing any blood to the surface then pick them out as well. I’ll have to bookmark this page because there are a lot of good ideas in here.
Les Garten
How about hot wax?
tom o
With glass shards soapy warm/hot water soak and gentle rubbing until you have “prune skin” will squish out what will come out(the soap dish soap works the best lubes the way), then band aids over your finger tips to prevent transfer to others but I’d only wear the band aids when around others you kind of want the remaining skin and stuff to get rubbed out and the band aids/medical tape on the finger tips would prevent that. depending on what you’re up to it shouldn’t take more than a couple days to slough off the the skin with stuff in it.
Terry
On the adhesive front, try Biore Pore Strips. They’re specifically made to pull stuff out of the skin without actually harming the skin. Might just work.
Stuart
After 12 minutes, the partial strip didn’t seem hardened enough. At the 15 minute mark the adhesive and paper backing partially separated. I suppose thumbprints and nose pores are too dissimilar.
Jim Roberts
I’ve used automotive detailing clay with some success.
Stuart
I have a brand new bar somewhere here, but couldn’t find it. =( After I couldn’t find it I tried Silly Putty, which was too smooth and slippery.
Matt Ryan
Use a strong magnet.
Matt Ryan
Never mind, aluminum is not magnetic. If that ever happens with steel try it. I hav done it several times with strong magnets.
Toolfreak
You can try using something acidic to turn the particles into aluminum oxide.
Ketchup works. Cola/soda/coke is more acidic and even better.
You may have to soak ’em in it for a while, but it should turn those bits into grey mush that you can rinse away.
You could even experiment with some of the aluminum left over, or scrape off some flakes, to see how it reacts to ketchup/coke and see what you can expect.
Toolfreak
Oh – also worth noting that you should use a steel/metal pan to put the ketchup/coke in, it won’t work so well if you use plastic/glass/etc.
Farid
If I may add to your comment. Your idea is not bad but it will most likely work as a defoliant more than anything.
Aluminum oxide (Alumina) is very hard and can be used as as an abrasive. If you want to turn Aluminum (actually Aluminum oxide since cut Aluminum oxidizes very quickly upon exposure t air) into mush, you have to use a strong Alkaline such as Sodium Hydroxide (Lye), which is very caustic and will burn the skin! Strong acids will do the same to Aluminum oxide (Hydrofluoric acid is used as well in industry but is extremely dangerous).
We make equipment for the Aluminum producing industry. Our service personnel and equipment get exposed to alumina all the time. It’s gets everywhere. It washes away after while with no harm done.
Toolfreak
I’m not suggesting that the acid in the ketchup/soda itself will dissolve the aluminum, it’s an electrochemical reaction between the aluminum and the steel pan, with the ketchup/soda as the electrolyte.
It’s basically a weak battery, exploiting the electrochemical process of galvanic corrosion to corrode away the aluminum.
Devon Stuhr
You seem to know a lot about galvanic corrosion and electrochemical processes. I am attempting to remove metal from my body which came about through a electrochemical reaction between two orthopedic implants of dissimilar metals. The resulting electrochemical process dissolved the less noble metal implant from my wrist and metal particles have been witnessed, collected and photo documented coming from my skin. Is there some sort of process to further degrade the metal debris so that it might leave the body quicker? Less painfully? Or causing less skin damage? It has been a steady exit of metal particles from all skin surfaces for 6 years, it’s tapering off but would like to seek other means to do away with it asap. Thanks.
Koko The Talking Ape
I was thinking about chemical methods too.
Lye would work, but at high concentrations it would burn the skin, as you say. So dilute the lye to a point where it doesn’t damage skin. It should still dissolve the aluminum, just more slowly.
I might also try acids like vinegar (made for cooking). Aluminum acetate appears to be water-soluble in all its forms. Phosphoric acid in coca-cola might work too. I wonder if even ascorbic acid (vitamin C) would work. Those last two are “oxidizing acids,” meaning they can shed additional H ions after the first one is gone, like a self-loading gun.
Dave Wittmann
Try medical super glue. You can get it at any drug store. I have also used epsom salt soaks.
Tobias Toolman
There is one method which always works for this particular problem. Take some scotch whiskey and drink it. Repeat until the problem is solved. I have found that single malt Islay whiskeys works great.
oddjobbob
I wonder if Knob Creek Bourbon would work?
Rhodes
This is the first suggestion I think I can handle…
joe
I usually go the caveman method and would use a sharp blade to scrape away a little top layer of the hand skin. The hand skin is actually pretty thick (more so for those that use tools on a regular basis). Those martial artists toughen their knuckles by punching hard stuff and doing pushups with their knuckles, same principle.
But then again I have tough skin, tough skin as I don’t go to the doctor to get stitches when I get a cut, I just use super glue lol
joe
Another thing you could try is use those walgreens blackhead nose strips…i have used them before on my nose and they stick to your skin pretty good. almost feels like a microscopic layer of skin is being ripped off, but they are save to use.
Big P
Lay a piece of wet bread on it for a while
Jason Staques
I have your Item for Extraction. I’t common bacon fat. My grandmother first introduced me to this when I was a child. It will extract anything from a splinter to large pieces of metal. She was a US army nurse during the Korean war. simply place the bacon fat over the site cover with bandages depending on the size. If small it will be in the bacon in the morning. larger objects several days. for larger objects like bullets replace the bacon fat. This works with all things. Scientificly it is because the fat drains into the skin and the natural contraction of the skin from inside slides it out. Hope this helps:)
Jason Staques
Just so you know all bacon fat works. it’s salted and so it contracts the inner skin. I believe this is how it works.
Jason Staques
My hypothisis:
Bacon fat works like this. You would have to probably use an oil but you need a material like jell to extract it and then some salt. Something for it to come to rest in (The Jell). You could buy gellatin but in that case your spending more money. You can eat the bacon after cutting away the fat making it much more healthy. Not only making it more healthy but fixing your problem. Word of thought 🙂 . My email is [email protected] if you enjoyed this tip:) It works awesome you will see it for small stuff over night larger a few days. dont forget to replace the bacon fat for deeper wounds like gunshots. Stay safe everyone and Don’t go shooting yourself in the head. This will not prevent stupidity 😉
Ktash
Interesting post, and I know it’s old. I was just wondering if you found anything you considered best. Also, a request for a post sometime on 80/20 and the connectors especially that you find useful for building benches (or jigs, etc). I’ve looked at their site and just get massively confused.
Though the problem’s solved, I’ll give thoughts for others who may run into this. If it were me, I’d wear cotton gloves mainly to prevent rubbing it onto others or into your eyes, etc. I wear them at night during the winter to prevent the cracking/bleeding problems that come with woodworking. I put some heavy hand cream. I use pure unrefined shea butter that’s cheap in bulk online, though refined shea butter is very pricey at the health food store and it’s very thick and does the job well. Or perhaps put bacon fat in them for this problem :). I love the bacon fat idea, good excuse to eat lean bacon.
I do cut/drill/tap metal, usually aluminum sometimes and suit up so all my skin is covered, wear goggles and a mask and a face shield. A cheap harbor freight leather apron is one thing I use because I don’t want the small pieces in my clothes. Overkill maybe, but the idea of inhaling them is scary. Thanks for good reminder to be careful when handling metal extrusions, too.
Ty
I have this problem but only with metal. On September 21, 13 I was using a impact drill. Long story short, I was working from the morning until 9 pm and it was getting dark, while drilling in a screw i noticed small shrapnel, tiny specks, dust like material flying of the head of the screw. The light from the drill made me notice it because of it was dark as I did not see it during the day I started to worry because I had to take my eye contacts out and places I have touched. I noticed it even more when I went inside under a dim light on my hands and clothing, and only seem to see tiny shiny glitter like substance, tiny ultra fine sliver, specks from the screws. I went into the the doctors to get my eyes checked the doctor told me seen three small pieces in my eye. Says they will eventually work its way out and gave me a perscription for eye drops. I ended up going into a eye specialist then hey told me there was nothing there, I asked well what if the metals in the back of the eye, says to be it will be fine as long as its not on the eye. The doctor from the hospital told me to just keep rinsing. I tried explaining about the metal pieces on my hands, he says he could not see it. just takes my hand and looks at it with only his eyes. Anyway basically the hospital tells me to wash everything i have came in contact with and rinse well. I am still seeing this shit on my hands and remotes, any tips on how to tackle this problem. Or am I already f***ed , lol .
Stuart
Sorry, I’m not sure what to tell you.
Kirk Beverley
TY please contact me [redacted]
I want to ask you a few questions about what kind of tools you was using.
omk
Hi, I have the same problem and I am not pysically (as far as I know) in contact with metals at all.
A few weeks ago I had a latex-food cross reaction allergy which sourced from over eating m&m’s namely peanuts and as my pharmacist suggested the glitters on my palms could have been the way of the immune system throwing out the excess zinc.
I saw the glitters by chance under a fluoroscent bulb, I don’t know whether I had the glitters previously or not.
Nowadays I am reading about chemtrails as well. I am not sure. I either have too much zinc or aluminium or heavy metal and I don’t know waht I should be doing. There are also blisters…
And just for fun have a look at this video 🙂 She does not know that she has a problem :)))
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3j4ayvQrCK0
omk
Interestingly 9 out of 9 of my friends have the same glitters. On of them was aware that she had them, the others got surprised. They are asily visible under direct sunlight. We all have different eating, smoking, drinking patterns therefore what I suspect is either the air or water. :/
Kirk Beverley
Do yall all use power tools? I dont think its fiberglass anymore. I think it plastic microfiber now, that come out out high rpm motor housings.
er
Anyone try the Rolls of Lint Remover Tape?
WildmommyMC
My husband is a welder and he rubs his arms, hands and legs with pantyhose. They snag the metal. Just a thought.
Laura
Using a corn cushion (band-aid like foam circle with a hole in the center. You can buy them next to band-aids or shoe inserts in the grocery store.) around the location where a splinter is embedded can help eliminate pressure on the location, so the splinter can more easily be brought to the surface without recurring pressure pushing it back down when you touch things with your hand.
Side question–Are there methods or tools people can recommend for containing metal swarf while working, so there aren’t a lot of splinters floating around after grinding? I’m especially trying to figure out methods that would work for out-of-door projects. I am concerned about cats walking in the area later & getting metal chips in their paws. Is there a heavy duty grinding box or something you can build for this??
Terra
If there is a small piece of the splinter above the skin surface use good old regular Elmer’s glue, wait until dry and remove, the splinter should be removed painlessly along with the dried glue.
Lori
I have the same problem. I seem to be a magnet for metal slivers and what I finally found that works for me is using that hot wax that you paint on your skin, let it dry, and then pull it off, to remove body hair (typically called Brazilian Waxing). The process usually stings when you’re removing hair because you’re pulling it out at the root but if the slivers are in your hands and fingers, pulling off the wax feels really good because you’re not pulling hair — you’re simply pulling out the irritant. I then do a quick soak in warm water with Epsom salt and I’m good to go. You can find the wax at drug stores, beauty supply stores, online, or have it professionally done (look up Brazilian Waxing). If you use good quality wax it works like a charm. I hope this helps.
Beej
Particle Pull Soak. Hot (45 degree C) bath with 2 cups of epsomsalt. Put a millimeter layer of coconut oil on top of the bath water (about 5 tablespoons) before going in. The oil will wrap around your skin when entering the bath. Soak for 1 hour and do not dry off completely when you get out. Only pat-dry slightly so you are not dripping wet – but still moist. During the bath, the coconut oil “pulls” literally all toxins and particles from deep in your skin out to the surface. Rub the surface of your skin with long firm strokes which will peel the top few layers of skin off of your body creating small worm-like grime. Prepare to be shocked of what comes out of you body. This technique is used to rid yourself of all sorts of chemical and particle toxins found in our air. That is not exhaust coming from those planes flying overhead leaving trails. There is aluminum, barium and “vaccines” lodged in the skin of us all.
I recommend one of these baths per month. You can add about 50 drops (from an eye dropper) of 35% food grade hydrogen peroxide to the bath for an extra powerful exfoliation. This technique is used by the military to remove shrapnel dust and bio-chemicals from the body. Multiple diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinsons, osteoporosis etc. are linked to aluminum. Unfortunately alu enters our sinuses when we breath and this is where the real damage begins. For a full body, internal treatment you must do the peroxide therapy best described in the book “one minute miracle”.
Deandra M Walker
Hey- I’m a female and have the same problem with steel wool getting stuck on my fingers when scrubbing things- I have learned my lesson and a bit on getting them out with patience- much like when u gained the splinter u should soften your fingers in either a bowl of warm/hot water or a hot towel. This will help bring the piece to the top of the skin and make it easier to see and work out. One you see one you lrod around d it to find the opposing direction the splinter entered, when so.e comes upward u have the right spot, gently push trying to work from as far beneath as u can- when a piece is large enough grab it with tweezers and gently pull it out- I know what I had is the same- it’s like a tiny dot, if u have a lot in one area it darkens… Try it
Alaina
I know this is an old thread, but I wanted to put this info out there. My 6 year old got hundreds of extremely small metal splinters in his hand and fingers. I tried the tape, tweezers, hot water. I was desperate and my son was in tears.
Let me tell you what works immediately… Hair removal WAX STRIPS!! They are all gone and his hand and fingers don’t hurt anymore.
Kirk Beverley
My kids got them also from the stairwell carpet where I was using a sander. It’s not Aluminum or fiberglass, it is Microfiber plastic from motor housing. I’m trying to get into local University to find out for sure now.
Heather
Your theory is interesting and what I feel could be the most related to my issues being as I used power tools the past two years during remodel but the shit part is I also ripped up carpet sanded resin covered mass amounts in glitter had a hard plastic type picture gram “glass piece “ break in my direction from below sending glitter flying ubder my chin on my neck etc . Also a glass bottle combusting on my face that was in my hands so I am a series of unfortunate events but the sander I used was a much older one I don’t recal by who it was my friends dads and then at work we used a handheld dremal to file dog nails and I thought the powered well we’ve all thought was strictly theire nails and I remover at times being itchy after and unable to wipe the dust off .
nick philhower
Damn I don’t think my long winded response posted. I recently acquired several thousand nettles in my hands, arms, feet, and legs. I found that rubbing coconut oil on them real heavy, and tensing muscles of hands or wherever the slivers are gets a real good pull from it. Next step after some come out this way is to rinse with warm water, than apply a heavy paste of double acting baking powder and apple cider vinegar mixture. Let this paste dry on skin, and as it dries, it seems to have one hell of a pull, especially if you tense muscles of affected area. I literally watched hundreds of nettles fall off, and even jump off my arms and legs. This also pulled up and out hundreds of fine metal key machine shavings(quite a variety of offshore metals in key blanks these days, lead, nickel silver, zinc, copper, nickel, aluminum, iron, brass). I did locksmith work for the past 8 years, been off 4 months on an injury and had no idea my hands and feet were full of these nasty mini daggers. Everyday at work I usually get pricked at least 5 or more times throughout the day because our shop and service vans that I work out of have numerous key cutting machines and the shavings are in the air, on about every surface I rest my hand or arm on, falling into my boots. I had no idea they have built up in my hands and feet so bad, so for me it was a blessing to get into a nettle patch, I would still of had no idea all these metal slivers and also abrasive particles from angle grinders, dremel, and cutting sometimes several hundred keys a day were building up in my hands and joints. I also feel they were what was causing me to have arthritic symptoms, because my hands and feet feel a ton better after purging them of a lot of these off shore low quality metals, and whatever hard particles that come from the angle grinder and dremel wheels.
Stuart
It did. First-time commentors (or name changes) get pushed to manual moderation to help cut down on spam. I approved the first while you were rewriting this second comment.
Your information and advise is much appreciated! I’ll give this a try next time. Every once in a while, I’ll still get metal splinters that I can’t even see but could definitely feel.
Jill
It worked perfectly for my boyfriend last night! Thanks!
Liz
How about very strong magnets to pull them out?
Stuart
Aluminum isn’t magnetic.
samuel Auld
I found that soaking my hands in hot water until they wrinkled helped a lot
Charlynn Logue
I have been having this issue for the last year or so, no one I know has experienced or known someone who experienced such a thing. My apartment end clothing somehow has become contaminated with it (itsdeeply embedded in my carpets gets caught in the weave of my clothing and I cannot get it out) it’s gotten deep into my fingers and my feet i can’t rid of it, just as I think it’s gone more starts to come through out of my fingers and my toes and then every contaminates my clothing in my apartment all over again. I replaced carpet I got all new clothes and threw out my old clothes the problem it’s a vicious cycle. does anyone have any advice
Jared
Did you ever find a solution? I am afraid they keep popping up in my laundry as well.
Nicole
Hello, i was at the gum using the seated cable row machine and felt splinters in my finger but don’t see anything. Finally started to see tiny shiny sparkles. I looked at the seated row handle bar and noticed the finish was flaking off, I looked it up and they typically use hard chrome finish on the stainless steel parts. no luck after hot water soaks with epsom salts. Any ideas?? HUrts!
Nicole
Hello, i was at the gym using the seated cable row machine. Started feeling slivers in my finger. Don’t see anything but it hurts! Finally saw tiny sparkles under light at home. Been doing hot water soaks with epsom salt.. Still hurts and still there. I looked up the handlebar online and they’re typically made of stainless steel with a hard chrome finish. I looked closer at it and the finish is flaking/peeling off. Any tips please?
Mario M
hola soy de Mexico… disculpen no se escribir en ingles! 🙁 aun no se la respuesta de como quitar esto pero lo que si les puedo decir es que no se trata de rebaba de metal.. Son unos paracitosque pueden mutar de solido a liquido, soportan altas temperaturas en seco ingresan a nuesta capa de piel para integrar su huevesillos y y son capaces de desacer barras solidas de metal… talvez diran que estoy loco pero tengo el mismo problema y necesito retirarlos de mi y mi familia!! Creo que los doctores diran que es un delirio o culparan al alcohol y drogas, mi esposa y mis hijos de 4 años jamas an consumido ni una gota de alcohol y nada de eso y estan sufriendo esta desesperanrte picason! tengo algunos de estos paracitos en mi refrigerador pero gracias a esta contingencia de la pandemia del COVID-19 (corona virus) no puedo salir a que les hagan estudios… me siento atrapado ya e utilisado todso tipo de fumigantes poara eliminarlos pero ninguno tiene resultado… abran los ohos estos animalitos son como transparentes pero si se puede ver buscando un buen enfoque y utilisando dos lentes con graduaciones fuertes (uno tras el otro)…..
Stuart
These are not parasites. In my experience, if it’s silver-colored and reflective, it’s small metal chips. If it’s transparent and clear, it’s sweat. What you’re observing could be different, and I wish you luck if they are small parasites.
Randy Thompson
My situation seems a bit worse. My metal slivers (from Dremel grinding and small draw-filing to sharpen xacto blades) has them in my feet. I can’t walk on a hard floor without wearing socks. They are also hard to see because of being on the bottom of my feet.
I’ll start trying some of these suggestions.
Heather
Oh my I feel your pain I have the same issue and been about two years it’s miserable . Including my body every where else and the physical changes I have gone through are depressing I’m thankful for finding this post it gives me insight of options to heal and what it could be
Suresh
Hi
I also had small silver particles on my palm for long time got infected while working at garage
Have started homeopathy treatment very effective use
Nitric acid 200 and Thuja Occidental 200
Orally
U can also apply Thuja gel or cream
Arslan ahmed
Biore makes nasal strips, used to pull out blackheads and whiteheads from nose. I just used one, as directions said and it removed the finest of the particles from my skin
Amy
I recently got into a whole bunch of nettles I mean my whole body is covered in them I’ve dug holes trying to get them out and I can’t I’ve tried the baking soda paste and it looks like I’m starting to get infection when you got into the nettles was there like thousands in each hole well I guess 20 in each hole that you’re digging out of or am I going crazy
Derbz
Ok so nobody paid any attention to the person whos girlfriend is force feeding him metal shavings. Did that not seem highly problematic to anyone besides me? Even the dude its happening to didnt seem very concerned?! What the actual f*ck yall??!!
Stuart
Which comment are you referring to??
Jim Oak
Several years ago, I put mulch under a small tree and spread it out with my bare hands. No problem.
Days later, one of my fingers hurt. Could not see any splinters, even with the strongest magnifying glass. Finally, I dug out a toy, Radio Shack microscope. Looked … something there. What? Increased magnification. Finally saw corkscrew-like metal shavings, similar to the turnings coming off a metal lathe. Dug them out, with pain and some blood. Pain went away.
Do not EVER, mess around mulch (OR ANYTHING ELSE IN NATURE) with only your skin for protection. Of course you can’t do that. But I wear gloves — NOT thin, plastic or rubber — but leather, if I can, before touching any plants (ANY PLANTS) or plant stuff.
Unless I forget. Now I’ve got hundreds of microscopic thorns in my thumb. Same Radio Shack microscope revealed them. I cut out dozens. A week has passed. The skin has healed, but there are still sore spots; I assume, from the same type of thorns. I’m going to try some of the suggestions on this Web site, but it doesn’t look good. The skin is healed over. I’m not looking forward to another session with the X-acto knife.
Jim Oak
By the way, if you cut brush, or sticks, or grass and weeds, don’t get gloves with leather on the palms and inside the fingers but with fabric on the back of the hand. You’ll be stabbed through the cloth.
Kevin
Duct tape
Always works
Jared
Did you get any on your clothing?
I recently cut an aluminum gutter guard to fit and had a hand full of metal splinters and shavings all over my shirt. I stupidly threw my contaminated clothes in the wash and now they come back to haunt me every so often, having spread to other laundry. I have young kids so I worry about them getting pricked. Aluminum is such a pain, I wish there was some type of warning on the box.
Willy
30 yrs ago I was stung by bees leaving there stingers in my skin it nearly killed me. My grandmother used egg whites smearing over the stingers until it dried then peeling it off pulled stingers out. Might work for your splinters.
E
Mine is aluminium dust. Need some help here so what can i do that will get most of it out?
Melissa
Hey all!
I am thrilled. I’ve had these shavings just as described above in my hand for over a month. Spreading literally through to the other side of my hand like an invasive alien species worming its way through me…yeah yeah I thought I was going crazy! Ha! As did my friends. Then I read this post and was just about to try the black clay mask. You know the one that dramatic people on YouTube scream while pulling off?! THEN I thought, “what about that pore vacuum you bought off of Amazon a couple months back?” I sh*% you not, sucks them right out, connective tissue that’s grown around them and all just like an alien spaceship sucking uncle Larry out of the cornfield. Lol
Go ahead! Try it! When you hear them little slivers of silver screaming atcha, pretend they are are saying, “beam me up Scotty!” And suck them effers out!
Good luck!
Zach
Interesting, I had just bought my pore vacuum a few days ago and finally tried it out today on my face, that thing works wonders! Had no idea I had all that gunk clogging my face up! Also tried to pull a metal sliver from my hand but it never did pull it out, although my hands were rather dry.
I’ll try the Pore vacuum again after a hot shower and see if makes it pull even more stuff out. I found mine at Ollie’s “Good Stuff Cheap” for $7 and love it already.
BB
I have this problem as well. I got it from a dog toy that I ordered online. The toy has a long fishing type pole and when I put it together, I felt stings on my fingers. I realized that there was raised metal pieces along the metal pole and that my fingers and palm picked up numerous tiny, metal splinters that are too small to see. I’m worried that they will get into other things.
What worked for you to get them out? So far, the only thing that’s easing the pain is putting my hands in very warm water.
Christine King
Yes I think a drawing ointment and maybe cotton gloves for a few days may help
Yash
Hey Did it go away or still you have it in your hand?
Stuart
Mine? Came out in a day or two.