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Original poster

Tips for getting a splinter out?

8 replies

Bramshott · 17/10/2006 10:46

Anyone got any top tips for getting a splinter out of the hand of a three year old (4 in Jan)? She had one recently, and getting it out turned into such a palaver with her screaming, us holding her down, me bribing her with chocolate etc.

Now she has another one, and I've let her go to nursery with it in today, but told her she has to let me take it out tonight . Not sure of the best route - for myself I would usually use a needle to loosen it, as less painful than squeezing, but of course she's not keen. I have got a lolly as bribery for being good and letting me get it out, but I know she will get hysterical about it. It's got to come out though, hasn't it? What would / do you do?

OP posts:

PanicPants · 17/10/2006 11:00

Sorry no advice, maybe give her some calpol 20 mins beforehand to lesson the pain a bit?

MerlinsBeard · 17/10/2006 11:02

my nana used to have some drawing ointment...maybe someone will come along in a while to tell you what it actually was!

Or could u put a plaster on for a few hours to soften the skin and then remove it?

(and sand whatever it ios she keeps getting splinters from )

LIZS · 17/10/2006 11:03

soak it in the bath or bowl warm water then try.

SamhainWitch · 17/10/2006 11:07

Smother in soap and sprinkle with sugar. Add a plaster to the top and leave for 6-8 hrs or overnight if you can. Should draw the splinter to the surface.

southeastastralplain · 17/10/2006 11:21

magnesium sulphate is good for drawing out splinters and thorny things

Original poster

Bramshott · 17/10/2006 11:23

Thanks for all your advice. Do these drawing things actually bring the splinter right out through the skin so you don't have to do anything else? Sounds too good to be true!

OP posts:

SamhainWitch · 17/10/2006 11:27

They tend to draw them to the surface - the longer you leave them the further they come out. Usually you only need the tip of the splinter to rise back above the skin to be able to grab with tweezers.

Original poster

Bramshott · 18/10/2006 11:02

Oh God, well it's still in . I spent 3 hours negotiating / explaining / wrestling with her last night, but she gets so hysterical if you so much as talk about it, let alone go near it, there's just no chance. How much of a wuss would I be if I took her to the doctors and got the nurse to take it out?

OP posts:

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