Infected hand after fall - photo included

[PastaLaFeasta]

DD fell at school on Monday and yesterday her teacher pointed out her hand hurt and there is a pus filled spot on the palm of her hand. The teacher thinks there may be gravel inside but there is a layer of skin over the yellow pus filled spot.

I've put some antibiotic cream (from previous infected finger) on the spot this evening but am wondering if we need to do more - any mention of needles or tweezers has DD in tears but I don't know if this is even the right approach. Or should we consult the professionals instead? Any advice please?

Note - the black line around the spot is tracing the redness so we can track whether it's getting worse.

It does seem reasonable that there is some sort of foreign body in there. Is DD weepy at you touching it because it's sore? Holding a covered ice cube over the area for a few minutes will reduce the pain and let you have a proper look. However, with it becoming pus-filled, its possible her body will deal with it itself. If she really won't let you near it, pop a plaster on it over night, it might just pop on its own then you can rinse it in the morning

Might be worth going to the pharmacy tomorrow if it isn't looking better. Magnesium sulfate can help draw out if there's anything in there and they should be able to give advice whether it needs anything else to dress it or need seen by someone. I wouldn't go digging for gravel but like hesterton suggested you could soak it and see if you can see if that makes it clearer if there is anything there.

Yes it's sore to touch. DH is convinced he should try a needle. She's not happy. I wondered about the magnesium sulfate. Her pus filled finger ended in anti biotics as advised by pharmacy so concerned this may be the same. He's bribing her with chocolate. Trying the ice now. Thanks.

Was the infected finger on a finger nail? That would need anti biotics whereas this is likely a localised infection to get rid of the foreign body. If she'll let you try, make sure you sterilise the needle or you might introduce bacteria.

Yes the finger was just below the nail, twice, she bites the skin.

DH got brutal and squeezed out the pus so the brown grit is more visible. Lots of screaming so I stopped him continuing. We used boiling water to sterilise. We both remember similar as kids - being held down and screaming in his case. I've sent him with her to the pharmacy for advice. It's been there overnight already and mentioned again by the teacher. It's interfering with holding things - I think it's her right hand and she is right handed (I'm terrible at telling my left and right and she is not here).

Any alternative to hours waiting in the minor injuries clinic is definitely preferred but not if we could make it worse.

If its grit rather than gravel, mag sulph will sort it. Chemist will be able to help though. Good luck.

He's back and magnesium sulfate has been applied with plaster covering. Apparently it will draw out grit over a few days. I hope so. Poking with a needle was discouraged by the pharmacist.

Annoyingly the school called when she fell but never mentioned the fall or hurting her hand, they just compained about how dirty her dress was - presumably she fell in dirt. She is sent to first aid a lot as she is very clumsy.