Should I Get an Over-the-Counter Pink Eye Drop Instead of Seeing a Doctor?

Some over-the-counter eye drops may help ease your symptoms. However, you should see a healthcare provider to determine the root cause of the symptoms, some of which can be serious infections that can threaten your vision.

What Are the Health Complications of Pink Eye?

Usually, pink eyes do not cause long-term complications. In rare cases, however, it can lead to chronic cornea inflammation, causing permanent vision problems. You should see an eye care specialist if your pink eye does not resolve or gets worse even after the treatment.

Can I Go to School or Work with a Pink Eye?

No! You should not go to school or work until your pink eye symptoms subside; viruses that are a common cause of pink eye are highly contagious.

How Can I Stop the Spread of Pink Eye?

Follow these to prevent the spread of pink eye: 1. Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes 2. Do not share cosmetics, eye care items, towels, pillows, contact lenses, and eyeglasses 3 . Wash your hands thoroughly before and after touching your eyes 4. Do not wear eye makeup 5. Use a clean towel and washcloth daily

How Can I Manage the Discomfort from Pink Eye?

To manage your discomfort, you should: 1. Use a cold compress or artificial tears to soothe the dryness and inflammation 2. Stop wearing contact lenses until the infection is gone

Foreign Object Removal in Orange County, CA

Walk-In Clinic for Foreign Object/Body Removal Services

Foreign objects can pierce your body when you accidentally step on glass, run your hand across an unfinished piece of wood, or get a metal piece stuck on your hand while cleaning the garage. While most objects can be removed at home, there may be occasions you may require medical assistance, especially if you have a deeper splinter that is difficult or painful to remove.

At FCCMG, we offer foreign object removal services seven days a week at our urgent care locations in Irvine, and Costa Mesa.

Highlights of Our Urgent Care Facilities

Online check-in also available
On-site x-ray and lab facilities for faster diagnosis
Board-certified, well-trained, and experienced providers
Friendly and compassionate staff
Free parking

Reserve Your Spot Online!

What Is a Foreign Body?

A foreign body is any material or object that enters your body from an injury, inhalation, or ingestion. Children are more vulnerable to ingested foreign bodies, as they often insert things into their ears, nose, and mouth.

Inhaled Foreign Objects

These include toys, buttons, coins, pins, pebbles, balloons, etc. If not removed, they can block the airways, causing breathing difficulty.

Inserted Foreign Objects

Foreign objects inserted through the rectum may enter the digestive tract. If the objects are small, the body will expel them naturally. Otherwise, they may block the intestinal tract, requiring surgical removal.

Foreign Bodies in the Eye

Debris, glass pieces, or metal can get stuck in your eyes while performing cleaning tasks or working with power tools. If not removed, they can cause pain and eye scarring.

Foreign Objects in the Skin

Foreign bodies (such as nails, bones, toothpicks, etc.) may enter your skin during an accident, resulting in a scrape or laceration.

Foreign Objects in any Orifice

Foreign objects (such as small batteries, seeds, crayon tips, etc.) that enter into the nose, mouth, ears, or any openings need to be removed immediately to prevent complications, such as pain, infection, and bleeding.

When Should You Seek Medical Evaluation?

We recommend visiting a healthcare provider to assess any foreign object, but particularly under the following circumstances:

The object can’t be removed
Constant pain at the affected site
Reduced hearing or a feeling of fullness in the ear
Uncontrollable bleeding
Discharge from the opening
Inability to close or open an affected eye
Nasal drainage with an unpleasant odor
The resulting wound is 1/4 of an inch deeper under the skin surface, or dirty

How Can We Diagnose and Treat Foreign Objects in the Body?

At FCCMG, we will examine the affected area for infection. We may also order an X-ray to locate the object if it can’t be clearly seen.

Depending on the location and size of the object, the removal process may involve using:

Tweezers
Suction
Soft rubber catheters
Irrigation

When to See an Emergency Room for Foreign Object Removal

Visit an ER if you experience symptoms such as:

Drooling
Vomiting
Difficulty swallowing
Breathing trouble
Chest pain

FAQs

Yes, urgent care can safely remove foreign objects from the skin, ears, nose, and eyes. Our experienced staff uses the appropriate tools and techniques to carefully remove the object without causing further harm or discomfort.

You should visit urgent care if you are unable to remove a foreign object by yourself, or if it is causing pain, irritation, or discomfort. Waiting too long to seek treatment may increase the risk of infection or injury to the surrounding area.

FCCMG Urgent Care is equipped to safely remove common foreign objects, such as splinters, glass, metal, wood, and small objects from the skin, ears, nose, or eyes. Our team uses precise methods to ensure safe removal and minimal discomfort.

The removal process is usually quick and minimally painful. Depending on the location of the object, a local anesthetic may be used to numb the area and reduce any discomfort during the procedure. Most patients experience only mild discomfort.

Yes, children can be treated for foreign object removal at urgent care. Our staff is trained to handle pediatric cases with care, ensuring that the procedure is as gentle and stress-free as possible.

No appointment is needed for foreign object removal at urgent care. You can walk in, and our medical team will assess and treat the issue immediately. However, for more complex cases, you may want to call ahead for advice or to confirm availability.

In some cases, an X-ray or other imaging may be necessary, especially if the object is difficult to locate or deeply embedded. Imaging helps ensure the safe and accurate removal of the foreign object. Your provider will determine if this is needed.

If a foreign object is causing an infection, signs to watch for include increased redness, swelling, warmth, pus or discharge, and pain in the affected area. You may also develop a fever. If any of these symptoms occur, seek medical attention right away.

Yes, urgent care can effectively remove splinters, glass, metal, or other foreign objects from wounds. The procedure is performed carefully to minimize further injury and prevent infection. Our team uses sterile tools to ensure safe removal.

Foreign object removal is generally covered by most insurance plans when provided at urgent care. However, coverage can vary, so it is recommended to check with your insurance provider for specific details, such as co-pays or out-of-pocket costs related to the procedure.

Visit Our Urgent Care Clinic for Foreign Object/Body Removal

Looking for a well-equipped and convenient urgent care for Foreign Object/Body Removal treatment? Visit us at FCCMG in Irvine Woodbridge, or Costa Mesa, CA, today.