Toddler with Splinters in Thumbs

Updated on April 10, 2008
A.G. asks from Cranberry Township, PA
5 answers

anyone have any non scarry ways of getting slinters out of my sons thumbs, we were at the park, and he got one in each thumb. he just now will let me look at them, ive tried soaking him in the tub, and washing hands to loosen them up but they seem deep.
im afraid if they are in there too long they will get infected?

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So What Happened?

Thanks everyone for the advice! they eventually soaked out, but let me tell you, those were just the first of many!!! with playing at the parks now, and the wood playsets, its bound to happen.
atleast now hes used to them, and lets me look at them!

More Answers

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T.S.

answers from Philadelphia on

We now use the soaking and soaking and soaking method. My son got a splinter on Monday and we're still soaking it out. I wouldn't attempt too much else these days...as in not poking around too much...with all the increased risks of infection out there.

We have soaked for several days with my daughter and then the splinter somehow has moved closer to the surface.

My son soaks before school (during breakfast) and sometime after school and/or in the evening. Had hoped to take it out last night but it's still just below the surface.

He got the splinter while picking up a stick in the yard!

Perhaps call your doctor to see what he/she recommends before you poke too much.

Good luck!

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M.G.

answers from Philadelphia on

1. Let him play with some tape--if the outsides are near the skin, it could pull them out

2. Get them out while he sleeps--about 15-20 mins after he passes out for the night he should be in a deep state of sleep (the one you've learned to lay him down when he's in). You could try and get them out then.

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C.S.

answers from Philadelphia on

My sitter puts an ice cube on the spot to help numb it and then tries to get it out if it's easily accessible. We tried it once and helped.

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A.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Most splinters will work their way out on their own, digging around for them actually increases the risk of infection. If there is a visible area sticking out, put elmer's glue on it, let it dry and then peel it off. I used to try and dig my kid's splinters out at night while they slept but the doctor told me to just let them go.

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D.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

A.,
We had a "Splinter Incident" last summer (in the foot) that lasted about 3 hours of convincing my son to let us get it out. He would not let us get anywhere NEAR him with tweezers or a nail clipper. Finally, in desperation, I told him I would try to get the splinter to stick to a piece of tape & it might come out. Guess what? It worked! I used the heavier clear packaging tape. He still has the tape (with the splinter stuck to it) in his treasure box! Might be worth a try...good luck!

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