Septic/Poison Finger Whitlow??

[sweetiesue]

DS (8) persistant nail biter/chewer has manged to get a rather nasty looking finger, with another 2 heading same way.
Has anybody got any hints/tips on how to sort this out at home before resorting to going to GPs and using up a valuable appt slot?

TBH, it may need antibiotics.

I've had some success soaking an infected finger in water that is as hot as I can stand it, but I'm not sure it's great for a child.

Have you soaked in a bowl of warm salty water 2x a day? I use savlon cream or a dab of TCP for anything nasty.

X posted with soup

Manganese sulphate- a white paste you can get from the chemist. It will draw the puss out.

[[http://www.chemistdirect.co.uk/magnesium-sulphate-paste-bp_1_33162.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&utm_campaign=EN%20%7C%20PLA%20%7C%20Vitamins&utm_content=saz0YX0kE%7Cdc_pcrid_24036621564 this is it sorry should be magnesium sulphate

magnesium sulphate

Got Savlon/Germolene, Dettol and Mag Sulphate Paste (from a splinter incident about a month ago) in the cupboard.
Was thinking a warm Dettol type soak, gentle squeezing then smother in Savlon and cover with plaster. Was going to do all fingers tonight after shower.
Willing to go to GP but want to try stuff at home first. GP is very reluctant to prescibe ABs until REALLY necessary and all other possibilities exhausted. (Ref same splinter incident about a month ago)
Any more ideas welcome

We have had success in the past by keeping finger very clean with antiseptic wipes plus germolene cream, though when he got an infected toe (biting toenails) ABs were necessary in the end.

Round 1 - epic fail. One very upset ds, managed about 30 seconds with fingers in warm dettol water before dissolving into a heap on floor.
Will attempt Round 2 later (feel like a terrible mum letting it go this far without noticing his little red fingers)

Would eating 'mum's secret chocolate' help while soaking ?

Like you thinking valium, will purchase/find some secret choc on way back from Metafit class tonight. Round 2 will be attempted on my return. He is currently sitting with a well germolened and plastered finger. Going for the embaressment factor of having a HUGE plaster on his finger - working so far as fingers haven't gone near mouth so far this evening.

NB: it is not you who is meant to be eating the chocolate whilst your child soaks his finger :)

It is a very very painful thing so i would be going to GP in the first instance, I'm afraid.

Have a word with the local pharmacist, they have lots of knowledge of minor thing like this, and can advise.

Warm salty water to bathe it in and GP appointment. I had one as a child and remember the pain to this day. Had to have it lanced oh the pain!

Good luck.xx

I would phone OOH GP or NHS Direct for advice.

Managed a reasonable soak, squeeze and replaster this morning. Used the Mag Sulphate overnight and looked to have drawn some gunk out. Spoke to phamacist and she said to continue as we are doing until Fri morning then visit GP if not improving.