 [ Symptoms ] How do you bring a splinter to the surface? [ Disease ] 1. SOAK IT IN EPSOM SALTS. Dissolve a cup of the salts into a warm bath and soak whatever part of the body has the splinter. Failing that, you can also put some of the salts onto a bandage pad and leave it covered for a day; this will eventually help bring the splinter to the surface. 2. VINEGAR OR OIL. Another simple way to draw out that stubborn splinter is to soak the affected area in oil (olive or corn) or white vinegar. Just pour some in a bowl and soak the area for around 20 to 30 minutes,