What is the immune system's response to a splinter?

But simply splinters are organic material which most likely contain viruses or bacteria, so if it punctures the skin, this is how our immune system responds. 1. At the impact of the splinter, mast cells are activated in the area which releases molecules called histamines. read more

Streptococcus bacteria exists on the skin and throats of people without any ill effect, however, the splinter gave the bacteria access to Brian's body. The bacteria makes enzymes that break down the skin while also allowing the bacteria to spread and also producing toxins that initiate an immune response. read more

Your immune system reacts to the splinter and the bacteria that enter the body with it by sending a range of immune system cells to the site of invasion or injury to fight infection. These cells produce a range of chemicals that serve as tools in fighting the invasion. read more