Subject: Will a splinter of wood in your finger come out on its own?

A co-worker and I were having a discussion about wood splinters; she had one 
and was getting frustrated that she couldn't get it out.  My father was a 
carpenter and as a kid I used to get wood splinters all the time.  When I 
couldn't get them out, I always just left them alone and they eventually worked 
themselves out.  She thinks this is crazy.  It always worked for me--am I crazy 
or lucky or just full of old splinters that I didn't even know about...;)  

Additionally, how does a wood splinter differ than a glass, graphite, or metal 
sliver--will they work themselves out or dig further in?

Re: Will a splinter of wood in your finger come out on its own?