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Original poster

Whitlow! Ouch!

14 replies

BaconAndAvocado · 07/12/2014 15:30

How do I get rid of,it?

The side of my fore finger is very hot and painful. I'm pretty sure it's a whitlow.

Tia

OP posts:
Bluestocking · 07/12/2014 15:51

Poor you, they are horrid, and really painful. If you've had it for a few days and it's not getting better, you might need antibiotics. Have you got a nearby NHS walk-in centre?

Original poster
BaconAndAvocado · 07/12/2014 15:57

No I haven't, I'll have to make an appointment. What a pain!

OP posts:
southeastastra · 07/12/2014 16:03

what's the thing where you have to drop a bible on it?

Bluestocking · 07/12/2014 16:04

That's a ganglion. Don't drop a bible on your poor whitlow!!

Ohwhatfuckeryisthis · 07/12/2014 16:07

Soak in warm water as well. and post a klaxon

Squeegle · 07/12/2014 16:09

Unbelievable painful!!! I agree. Soak it in hot water it may burst it. Take painkillers. If not better tomorrow see a doctor/nurse.

FourthMary · 07/12/2014 16:13

Dh has had two of these recently. Try soaking in really hot salt water, but I think you probably will need to see someone for strong antibiotics.

The redness and heat is a sign of infection. Dh ended up at a&e as he got red lines going up his arm (tracking) and feeling hot and shivery. The doc cut it open and an impressive amount of puss came out.

Don't leave it too long op.

INeedSomeHelp · 07/12/2014 16:17

I had one of these years ago but didn't know what it was at the time. It was very painful but the relief when it burst was immense!
If I ever got one again I would definitely go for antibiotics.

Knottyknitter · 07/12/2014 16:19

Lance it with a clean needle over the yellowest bit. Once the pus is out they heal really fast, bout stick some Savlon on it.

Valsoldknickers · 07/12/2014 16:19

Ouch, poor you Sad

I had one years ago as a child and the GP lanced it in his surgery. The pus practically hit the ceiling as the pressure had built up so much! The relief was magnificent. I can't remember whether I needed antibiotics or not, but I definitely had to soak my finger in hot salty water afterwards a couple of times a day for a few days.

Good luck.

Original poster
BaconAndAvocado · 07/12/2014 21:22

Sitting here with said whitlow in hot water........DH is determined to get me to burst it with a needle but I know I'd sod it up and make it worse!

Docs here I come!

OP posts:
Ohwhatfuckeryisthis · 08/12/2014 07:37

Sil had one when we were on hol a few years ago. Went under nail. She let me lance it. Happy days.

Kittykat7 · 08/12/2014 13:22

You can buy some drawing paste from the chemist called Magnesium Sulphate. You apply it & put a plaster over it. It will draw it up to a head.

Original poster
BaconAndAvocado · 09/12/2014 15:54

Whitlow has mysteriously disappeared. Yippee!

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