Whether it’s a splinter in the skin, something stuck in a child’s nose, or debris in the eye, foreign bodies can be painful and potentially dangerous if left untreated. At Urgent Care Plus & Wellness, we provide expert foreign body removal for both adults and children—safely and efficiently, without a trip to the ER.
Led by Dr. Luke Afuwape, a board-certified Emergency Medicine physician with over 15 years of hands-on experience, our clinic in Richmond, TX is equipped to handle a wide range of urgent care procedures. We welcome walk-ins from Katy, Aliana, Grand Mission, Mission Bend, and surrounding West Houston communities 7 days a week.
I highly recommend this urgent care. My dad recently had his immigration medical exam done by Dr. Afuwape. Incidentally, they found out that my dad had an underlying pulmonary infection/ edema. They went above and beyond and helped my dad get well by prescribing the necessary medications. Special mention to Lena who helped my dad with his X-ray appointments and to Malik that helped with my dad’s prescriptions.
What Is a Foreign Body?
A foreign body is any object that enters the body and becomes lodged where it doesn’t belong. Depending on the location, it may cause pain, infection, inflammation, or even tissue damage if not promptly removed.
Common examples include:
Skin
Splinters, glass shards, metal slivers, fish hooks
Eye
Sand, dust, metal flakes, or plant material
Ear
Beads, insects, food, or cotton from swabs (especially in children)
Nose
Toys, food, paper, or small household items
Immediate care is essential to prevent complications like infection, tissue damage, or vision/hearing loss.
How Is a Foreign Body Removed?
The removal method depends on the object’s location, size, and depth. At Urgent Care Plus & Wellness, Dr. Luke uses a variety of sterile tools and techniques tailored to the area affected. For example:
Skin
Splinters or metal fragments may be removed using sterilized forceps or a fine needle, sometimes after numbing the area.
Eye
A special dye and light may be used to locate the object, followed by irrigation or gentle removal with a moistened cotton swab or instrument.
Ear/Nose
Suction, forceps, or a small hooked probe may be used—especially with children. Insects in the ear may first be neutralized with mineral oil or lidocaine.
Throughout the process, patient comfort is a priority. Local anesthesia may be applied if needed, and post-removal instructions will be given to prevent infection or recurrence.
Signs You May Need Medical Removal
You should seek professional foreign body removal if you notice:
- Sharp pain, redness, or swelling
- Difficulty moving the affected area (eye, joint, etc.)
- Bleeding or signs of infection
- Persistent discomfort despite attempts at home removal
- Decreased vision, hearing, or airflow (in eye, ear, or nose cases)
- A child has inserted an object into their ear or nose
Do not attempt to remove deep or sensitive foreign objects at home—improper handling can make the situation worse.
Why Choose Dr. Luke Afuwape for Removal?
As a seasoned Emergency Medicine physician, Dr. Luke has removed thousands of foreign bodies safely—from skin splinters to embedded debris in sensitive areas like the eyes and ears. He uses sterile technique, precision tools, and a calm, compassionate approach to minimize discomfort and avoid complications. Your safety, comfort, and long-term healing are his top priorities.
About UsForeign Body Removal—Walk In Today for Safe, Expert Care in Richmond, TX
If you or your child has something stuck in the skin, ear, nose, or soft tissue, don’t wait for it to worsen. At Urgent Care Plus & Wellness, our medical team provides fast, gentle removal—no referral or long wait required. Contact us today or walk in for same-day treatment. Conveniently located in Richmond, we proudly serve Katy, Aliana, Grand Mission, Sugar Land, and surrounding West Houston communities.
