Graphite stuck in finger

[Debaser]

When I was in the third grade (7 yrs old?) I accidentally stabbed my finger with a sharpened pencil and the tip brok off. 24 years later, I can still see it in there just beneath the skin. Is this anything to be worried about? I guess it's broken down to some extent, because I can feel no knot or bump. I can just see it and that's it.

[Soul]

It would have been propelled out if it was very superficial. Graphite is carbon, as far as I know it is harmless. No need to worry even if it has been stuck there for so long. It will remind u of ur 3rd grade

[Debaser]

Thanks, but if I get finger cancer twenty years from now I'm coming for you! Just kidding. I'm not worried. I just happened to look down on it and became curious.

[Walrus]

If U get a 'finger cancer' then report the case to some good journal. And, also let us know. That will be interesting. May be you will be the first case and we can name it after you.

Well, it has been there for 24 years and is not bothering you then don't get bothered now. Use dot-pen or something else for timebeing.

If you remove it, the finger has to be surgically explored causing trauma to your finger tips and U will end up with more foreign bodies in your finger - sutures.

People have lived with bullets in them without any much ill effect for life. So, U need not be scared and incase something happens, U get a disease after your name.

Dubai haat man laddu

[hydatidcyst]

I agree with Walrus. I have come across people with bullets in their abdomen without any ill effect. But still, if that is bothering you, you can get that removed. It can be done under local anaesthesia.

[Barry]

I've had a pencil point in my palm for about 30 years. No ill effects that I know of. I figure I've absorbed more graphite from normal pencil use than from the point in my hand.