3 year old with a tiny splinter in her foot - not sure what to do...

[missscarlett]

It's been there since Friday - the surrounding area went yellow with pus, we thought it might come out by itself but it's got bigger and more sore over the weekend. I took her to the doctor and was given some antibiotics for the infection, but the splinter is still in there and not showing any signs of coming out.

The practice nurse said to me quietly that they're not allowed to try to remove it themselves, but if she were me, she'd squeeze it or burst with a pin to 'get the bugger out'. Trouble is, it's really painful and my daughter is absolutely horrified at the thought of me even looking at it.

I thought I'd perhaps have a go with a (sterilised) needle while she was asleep, to let the pus and hopefully the splinter out but can't bear the thought of her waking up and being all confused and in pain with me jabbing at her foot! To further complicate things, we're off on holiday to Portugal on Saturday, so really would like the splinter out and her foot to be healing up as soon as possible. Any advice would be hugely appreciated!

[thisisyesterday]

I was going to say exactly wha tthe nurse said, squeeze it and it should all come out with the pus.

[Twiglett]

hope this helps

[BecauseImWorthIt]

Have you tried bathing it in really hot water? This might help it to 'burst'. If you can't face this then giving her lots of hot baths might also help.

Or try putting a plaster on it, but covering the whole thing in a load of Germalene first. This will help soften the tissue as well as being an antiseptic.

[oops]

Message withdrawn

[missscarlett]

I'll put some germolene and a plaster on it tonight and give it a soak in some hot water tomorrow, but I suppose a lot of the problem is her letting me get anywhere near it. I'm not at all squeamish about possibly bursting it - very much enjoy squeezing spots (mine or anyone else who will let me do theirs - gross I know!) but seeing her poor little face and listening to her squeak 'No, no Mummy, please don't hurt my foot!' is horrid, so I'm liking the idea of baking soda making it just stick out without any squeezing. Thanks ladies!

[missscarlett]

Posted before I read your post, Oops - if the other methods don't work I'll definitely try your one tomorrow night - thanks again!

[pofaced]

Afraid I'd be brutal in a "nice way".... hot bath, Calpol, on the sofa afterwards wrapped in a towel with Daddy snuggling her watching favourite DVD and have needle and tweezers... ready, steady, go... not nice but effective with all of mine in the past

[FuriousGeorge]

My friend had this same problem with her ds.Her Dr was an Indian chap & reccomended that she put a piece of onion over the splinter overnight & that it would draw it out.He said that was what his mother used to do.He was right,it did the trick.Friend was VERY impressed,as she had tried magnesium sulphate ect.,to no avail.

Good luck.

[jazzandh]

Hope you've had success by now, but just to advise, I used the bicarb method on DS and it worked a treat. Just pulled the end out once he was fast asleep....

[fifflegumps]

A plaster will help (if it stays on her foot). This will make the skin really soft and draw the splinter. Also, apply some arnica or chickweed cream from health food shop - this is supposed to draw spinters. Just also keep it as clean as possible and change plasters frequently. Hope better soon.