Sliver Help

Updated on June 12, 2009
C.S. asks from Steger, IL
4 answers

My 4 year old got a small wooden sliver in his palm. We have tried unsuccessfully several times to remove it. He is not too cooperative when we try - kicking, screaming, crying, carrying on, etc. The area is not red or infected or anything like that.

Do we leave it in and see if it will work its way out? or Does anyone have a way to get out slivers without the whole neighborhood thinking I am torturing my kid?

Thanks!

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A.A.

answers from Chicago on

How about trying to remove it while he's asleep? Our son had a splinter/sliver of wood in his palm that he refused to let us remove. Understandably, he said it was painful when I pinched the tweezers to try to get it out. Finally, my husband and I decided to remove it while he was sleeping. It worked like a charm. He slept through it and didn't even move! When he woke up in the morning, he couldn't believe it was gone and was thrilled with his new batman bandaid.

2 moms found this helpful
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J.P.

answers from Chicago on

I would try putting sticky tape (maybe packing tape) on his hand and see if that helps loosen the sliver. I've always tried squeezing the area where the sliver is like you are popping a zit. It pushes the sliver up enough to catch it with tweezers. Sometimes you can work it out that way. You may also want to soak his hand in warm water to open the pores.

1 mom found this helpful
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P.M.

answers from Chicago on

Try putting a band-aid on it for a couple days. The sweat and moister helps work it out. good luck!

1 mom found this helpful
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M.M.

answers from Chicago on

C.

I would watch it for a day (maybe even two) if you think it's small. Wash it often and manipulate the area to help back it out as best you can. When in doubt, call your pediatrician.

When my oldest was 4.5 or 5, she picked up a fairly large sliver in her foot. Like you, we tried to extract the sliver ourselves as it was within reach. She was extremely difficult which made it impossible to have a steady hand to grab it (all while watching a 2 year old). Dad finally came home from work and didn't have any luck either. We finally had to make an "emergency call" to the pediatrician. My husband took her. She was brought in by a wheelchair (which in her eyes was the coolest thing ever), held down by my husband and a nurse while the doctor made a very slight incision and yanked it out. After a little neosporin and bandage, they were off for milkshakes in a matter of minutes. It was a very exhausting evening for all of us however it was worth every penny to have the doctor do it (even with being charged as a minor in office surgicial procedure). To this day she remembers that incident and won't even think about removing her shoes at the park again!!

1 mom found this helpful
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