Take 3yo to A&E with toe injury?

[GreenTooth]

Hi

Not sure what to do here. A heavy toy has fallen on DD's toe in nursery, picture attached. The nail has instantly blackened and is a little swollen. She's withering in pain at home. She's had some Calpol but she's still in a lot of pain. She's walking but not putting any weight on the toe.

Any advice on what we should do? Thanks!

Have you iced it? I'd put an ice pack on it and elevate it.

Get an emergency gp appointment in the morning.

She might need the pressure releasing. Minor injuries should do it though. Subungual haematoma. Can be very painful.

I don’t think I’d go to a&e with that to be honest. Any chance your GP would squeeze her in before they shut or a walk in centre.

The instant blackening is bleeding underneath the skin which isn’t that surprising. Maybe reassess in the morning after elevating it and icing if you can to help reduce the swelling.

Sympathies to your daughter though, toe injuries always hurt like buggery.

It's had cold compresses, doctors won't see us today. Minor injuries won't see chn under 5 so it's either A&E or nothing.

Poor thing!
It’s basically a bruise under the nail.
They heal independently in time but if it’s agony you can release the pressure by straightening a paperclip and heating the end over a candle.
Then gently, don’t push, apply it to the nail to allow the blood out.
Probably depends on your A&E as to whether they’d do it for you or leave you waiting for 5 hours before telling you it’s nothing to worry about

If it is A&E or nothing, given it is a significant portion of the nail, and she is in pain, I’d take her to A&E. They might want to check for injury to the bones of the toe or an injury to the nailbed. I had an infection under a nail which had to be drained by drilling a hole in the nail. The pain was ridiculous compared to the size of the injury so I do sympathise. I lost my nail in the end but it was a blessed relief. If they do need to drain it the pain should lessen massively straight away. For that alone I’d seek attention.

I would also go to A&E if it's that or nothing. The staff won't begrudge seeing a child who's in pain.

You could call 111, then if they send you to A&E then you can say you're following their recommendation.

Take her to a pharmacist for them to have a look if you're worried. They are very competent at giving advice. Failing that get an appointment at your doctors tomorrow or phone 111. More than likely can be dealt with without a hospital visit. Keep up with the ice and calpol as it is going to be painful.

Thanks all. We've kept her at home as she perked right up with some paw patrol and a chocolate biscuit! She's much better now and has been playing and walking (with a limp). I'll see how she is tomorrow.

Please don’t

Personally (and this is just personally) I’d heat up a needle and pierce it myself, blood will jet out and relieve the pain