I just watched the Mythbusters pirate special, and I'm looking for historical evidence to argue with the cannonball/splinter conclusion. (don't click through if you don't want spoilers) [more inside]
posted by ubernostrum on Jan 17, 2007 - 22 answers

Splinters: So is it true that some sorts of splinters will burrow into your skin if you don't get them out, and require surgury and nastiness? If so, which sorts of splinters? Conversely, which types of splinters can you reasonably assume will fall out on their own in a day or two?
posted by sirion on Aug 30, 2006 - 21 answers

My 16 month old son was at a party on Sunday, and appears to have gotten himself several dozen small splinters on the side of his left calf. It's a bit red around them, as you'd expect, and he won't sit still long enough to let us work 'em out. There's got to be 30 or more, real small dark splinters, so I can't say I'd expect him to sit through even one or two. Anyone have any advice on what we can do to alleviate the pain or help them come out naturally? We thought about smearing some kind of salt water concoction, or something like that. Not sure if it'll help, though.
posted by Merdryn on Aug 15, 2006 - 25 answers

Invisible fiberglass splinters in my hands -- how do I get them out? [more inside]
posted by treepour on Jul 22, 2006 - 20 answers