To ask where do I go? Thorn in DS4 leg

[weaselwomble]

I know people are probably going to think this is ridiculous but DS has a thorn in this shin that I cannot get out. He fell on Sunday and two days later I can't get it out. I'm worried now about infection.
Obviously it's not an A and E situation but will the GP entertain looking at it either? I think I unfortunately took the top off and the rest is buried too deep for me.
I don't want to waste NHS resources but obviously it can't stay in there either - it's slightly red around the site.
Thanks in advance

I'd put a plaster on it and let his body expel it .

Do you have a minor injuries service locally?

Do you have a minor injuries near you? If not, I’d start by calling the GP and see what they suggest.

I’m no expert - maybe ask chemist for some drawing cream. I think the body will generally expel it.
sorry I’m not much help

Do you have a small injuries unit near you? We have one as local hospital has no A&E

A long hot bath will help draw it out.

I'd start at a pharmacist.
Then minor injury/walk-in clinic if available.
Then practice nurse at the GP clinic.

magnesium sulphate paste from boots or Tesco helps to draw out things stuck under the skin, blob of that stick a plaster on and a few days later it should be out.

Magnesium sulphate paste from the chemist. Smear a thick layer on then put a secure dressing over it. It will expel the thorn within a couple of days.

Do you know what plant the thorn came off? Blackthorn thorns can be nasty.

I would start with the pharmacist and ask them to advise. A couple of deep baths with salt might help - the shin is not an easy place to soak!

You will end up at minor injuries if it doesn't come out, but it is not an A&E situation now unless you think he is getting a proper infection.

I believe the recommendation for splinters is to soak in warm water and then use tweezers to remove.

It does need to come out so perhaps a nurse at your GP or minor injuries unit.

Can you post a photograph perhaps?
Call your gp, they’ll look for sure, they’ll take the infection risk seriously.
In the meantime or while you wait for an appointment have you tried a warm bath followed by a hydrocolloid dressing? Left on overnight perhaps it will bring the thorn to the surface.

I'd pop some of this on it and it should work its way out in a couple of days, if that doesn't work I'd try talking to a pharmacist

Paste from boots

Minor injuries if possible - it could get infected if left. Otherwise ask your local pharmacist what they recommend (they may tell you to go to your GP or A&E)

Normally the body will form a minor infection and that will push the thorn out.

But as PP says, blackthorn can be nasty and can get stuck in there. I'd ask pharmacist advice.

I had something similar as a child and the practice nurse at the GP fished it out. But in meantime would try hot bath and magnesium sulphate like others said

Thanks all!
He had a bath Sunday and another tonight.
I've just put some mag sulphate on it and will Google the nearest minor injuries unit - never even thought of that.
It's fairly small but I know it's there and I'm worried it will bury in deeper and I won't even be able to find it anymore.
To the person who asked what type of thorn, unfortunately I've no idea.
It was a pile of dead grass he fell into which unfortunately also contained a dead branch. I'd guess blackberry if I really had to but tbh the screams were that hideous I didn't pay much attention. Stupid of me looking back!

Another one recommending magnesium sulphate paste. It was suggested to me by a nurse in a&e years ago, when I got a nasty splinter under my thumb nail at work. After poking around unsuccessfully fod about 30 minutes, the doctor said they would have to remove my thumbnail but the nurse told me to try the paste first. It took about 12 hours altogether, but it did the trick. Cover with a large dressing and check after about 12 hours. Repeat if needed, but in my experience (2 dcs, 2dils and a dgc), 12 hours is usually enough.

Oh and our local pharmacy is absolutely useless.
DS woke up covered head to toe in a horrific rash a few weeks ago, a friend who is a school nurse had a look and had no idea, GP online service was already closed off at 10am and I didn't want to take him to nursery in case it was infectious. The chemist practically rolled his eyes when I asked him to have a quick look.
They've been the same on the other odd occasion I've asked for advice.

Go to a different pharmacy, the good thing is you can pick any.

Sounds ridiculous but try a calpol syringe. Put the hole over the entry wound and pull the plunger up. Works like a charm on splinters, tho perhaps a thorn might be bigger than the hole in the syringe?

Seriously the body will push it out. If you can't get it leave it be and watch it. If it gets too red go somewhere If not wait. We always wait for them to come out. It's very rare they get infected.

Ohh!!! That's a fab idea! Calpol syringes are so handy, I used one yesterday to flush my eye with water after I managed to splash it with toilet cleaner!