A fishhook embedded just under the surface of the skin can usually be removed without the aid of a doctor. Do Not slide the hook up through the skin, cut off the barb, and pull the fish hook back out in reverse. Instead, Loop a string around the curve of the hook and grasp the string with one hand. With the other hand, gently press down on the hook's shaft to free the barb from surrounding tissue. Once the barb is disengaged, yank quickly on the string to pull the hook from the wound. DIET AND DOING

Presented by the Massachusetts Medical Society