What is a hair splinter?

A hair splinter, also known as a hair penetration injury, occurs when a hair follicle pierces the skin and becomes embedded. This can happen when handling coarse or thick hairs, such as pet fur, or when a hair is pulled or forcibly inserted into the skin. Hair splinters can be painful and cause inflammation, redness, and irritation at the site of the injury.

In most cases, hair splinters are minor and can be easily removed at home using tweezers. However, if a hair splinter is deep or causing significant pain, it may be necessary to seek medical attention to have it removed.

To prevent hair splinters, it's important to handle hair with care and avoid pulling or forcefully inserting hairs. Additionally, wearing gloves when handling coarse or thick hairs can help prevent hair splinters from occurring.