losing a fingernail

[lorraine29]

last night my 10 yr old son trapped his finger in our postbox, pulling his nail away at the base, it looks as if he will lose the nail, don't think it's worth hours at casualty but is there anything i can do to ease the discomfort. used usual paracetamol, and keeping it covered.

Thanks

Lorraine x

[beejaybee]

If it was me, I`d take him to A&E just as a precaution to ensure it does not get infected.

[silverdaler]

how has he managed 2 do tht

[lorraine29]

was posting a letter a friend had given him, when the dog started barking, he panicked thinking she was going to snap at his fingers and pulled his hand away too quick, catching his finger on the letterbox flap

[funkymoped]

just get him to bath it in warn salt water 2-3 times a day.. salt will help the wound heal and reduce the risk of infection.
keep it covered and dry.
:-)

[wolf63]

ouch!

fingernail problems hurt. It might be a good idea to see the A&E or go to doctor just to be sure.

My dog bit through my fingernail and damaged my nail bed about 8 years ago - it is still deformed. I was in a bit of pain and ended up with my arm in a sling.

[laurence2]

Good advice from Funky, it not worth the trip up the hospital, you could be up there for hours.

Ps, have you tried the 24 hour NHS helpline

[lorraine29]

been on phone to nhs all morning but exceptionally busy today and asking you to call back if non urgent

[funkymoped]

my lad stabbed his own hand about two year ago. the blade went in between his thumb and index finger. it went down his hand to the little finger. he was in the A&E for three hours. the doctor put a plaster on the opening and sent him home !
in short, hospitals dont care for small wounds.
your lad may be in pain, but i doubt they would do much other than bandage it up and get him out the door.
:-)

[Lonnie]

Actually Bob my old mate, thats quite a good idea, go ahead and stick it in suggestions.

[Lonnie]

Apologies lorraine, I stuck that answer in your post by mistake

[lorraine29]

lol no problem lonnie

[lorraine29]

i actually thought , having read about Bob's nail trimming skills he may have had an idea to help ;)