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Removal by a physician is about the only option as the quill is barbed. They do not slide out, they break or worse they tear skin as they are removed. One good thing is that the quill of a porcupine is quite sanitary, not much chance of infection and if a piece is left in the skin it will dissolve. If a doctor is not available, this is the recommended practice for removal.

Carefully wash around the offending quill.

Pour Hydrogen peroxide or alcohol over the area. (sip alcohol if using that)

Place barb between two fingers and apply downward pressure on the skin being careful not to push quill in further.

With sturdy pliers, grasp quill as close to skin as possible. (sip alcohol)

Now this is going to hurt (sip alcohol)

Pull, quickly with even force and as straight as the sips of alcohol will allow.

The quill may break, chances are if you pull hard enough and straight enough it will come out.

Apply more alcohol to wound and self.

See doctor as soon as possible.

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16y ago

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