Hi Moms,
My 1 year old is a major thumb sucker. It is so bad that he is getting an open wound on his hand and at his 12 month check-up the pedi said we need to keep it wrapped to let it heal or he could get a staph infection. He also prescribed an ointment to help if heal faster. I am concerned about using the ointment because he sucks through the bandage and I am afraid he will ingest it. The bandage is also not working because either he takes it off or refuses to eat or sleep as long as it is on.
Any ideas for how to help it heal without bandaging the whole hand? Anyone dealt with this before?
Thanks!
My sister-in-law had this problem with her daughter for a long time. Recently she bought her a thumb guard and it worked! It's expensive if you got through their website, but she got hers off ebay for less.
Use the invisible bandaid spray- It creates a bandaid but you can't see it- It lasts for several days and you can't suck it off once is dries. Once you spay it - blow on it till it dries and that's it! Sometimes my kids tell me it stings a bit but not that bad. Good luck!
J., Our oldest son sucked his thumb. We tried things like putting distasteful things on his thumb, he would wipe it off and when old enough he washed it off. Finally we let him be. He stopped on his own at around the age of 4. I think some need the additional sucking for a time, making a big deal of it may heighten the need, so relax, enjoy and cuddle him, thumb and all.
My son was the same way. We tried the wrappin of the thumb but it did not work. So we left him alone. Yes the thumb had open up and it was all white from the constant sucking. When he got to preschool he let the blanket and thumb go. He completely let in go by preK. He no longe sucks thumb and it healed completely. We even tried to get him to suck the other thumb so it will heal no luck. So I guess I really have no advice but to leave him alone. Trust me this is our only child so we were really worried as are you but it all worked out. At night I would pull it out of his mouth and cover. Sorry I was no help.
If you have the funds go to
http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId...
it is crazy expensive, but I can't imagine it wouldn't work.
I had the same issue with my daughter and well bandages didn't work for her either. I would put the cream on and then put a bandaid on it and put a tube sock on her full arm......and tuck it under her shirt......she actually was fine with that during the day because we made a game out of it. At night I didn't do anything until she was asleep and then I would do the whole sock thing again. Hope this helps.
We have had the same problem and see a dermatologist for other skin issues. I asked him last time we were there about it and he said that the ingesting of the ointment we use would be so little that it would not bother him. Also he said if it is that big of an issue rather than trying the bandage route to cover it completely, is excess, with petroleum jelly. That would not be harmful if ingested, but that they more than likely would not like the way it felt or tasted in their mouth.
I would be weary of putting the tabasco, cayenne pepper, or even the painting stuff on there due to an open wound being present. Some of those things could really burn if got in the wound. Also, my son likes to rub his eyes, and I am sure that wouldn't feel good either to get into the eye area.
I have heard about the thumb covers working to stop the habit, but have not personally tried them.
I know it isn't much help, but all I have to offer. Good luck!
there is an all natural really bitter polish they make especially for thunb suckers. You paint it right on the nail and the taste is so bitter they won't want to suck on it.
Try to get him to use the other thumb?
My daughter was a big thumb sucker too. Our dentist recommended getting socks and making a puppet out of them and putting that on both hands, especially during the night. You can put the medicine on and wrap it and then put the sock on it will make it really hard to suck the thumb. It has helped with my daughter, she is getting a lot better.
Luckily, my kids didn't suck a thumb for long, but we've had other fun issues. I, on the otherhand, was a big thumbsucker, and what my mom did was put tobasco on it. I actually continued to suck my thumb until I got the tobasco in my eye (!) but I've always liked spicey. Anyway, I do know that this worked for many others and I've always thought it was a great suggestion. If he didn't have a wound, I would say to just let him outgrow it, as he will. But some care needs to be heeded with that wound. Maybe putting something else, that is not toxic or would sting, but tastes really bad would work... Very best of luck to you!
When my son was younger, now 7, he was a thumb sucker and at one point had burned his hand. The doctor showed us how to wrap it and still leave the thumb out. Not sure exactly where the sore is but my son had to have a wrap over his hand for a few days and everything was wrapped in guaze and medical tape with the exception of the thumb. This seemed to be ok with my son and he didn't try to take the bandage off. My son only sucked his thumb when he was tired or going to sleep and when he had his blanket. If there is a specific item he uses when he sucks his thumb then you can try limiting his time with it. I got to where my son could only have the blanket when he was going to bed so that was the only time he would suck his thumb. Good Luck
I saw something at Walgreens that was for nailbiting and thumb sucking. You are supposed to put it on their nails and it tastes really bad. It was in the baby section right next to the teething tablets (what I was looking for :) ) Let us know what you decide to do!
Hth!
fortunately my kid loves bandaids...but i would try putting on a bandage yourself...you know how kids like to imitate parents...once i had a broken hand and my son was intrigued by the bandage and wanted one himself...so i wrapped up his hand...but when he was little he got a really bad burn on his hand and to help him keep the bandage on i wrapped my hand and he was ok...you may also want to try the colorful bandages...this may sound weird...but at pet smart they have colorful like wraps (target has purple) and he may like that better than the regular bandage...in the future to prevent the thumb sucking the dentist has the contraption that you put on their thumb (it's rather costly about $100) but it comes in various colors and he may keep that on to prevent the sores on his hands...hopefully your little one heals up nicely...
My mom used a sock and pinned to the sleeve of my shirt. And only did this at night, so when I sucked my thumb I didn't really know the difference. But I think she did this after I had fallen completely asleep.
For the concern about injesting the ointment through a bandage, maybe try lanolin, like for soothing cracked nipples during nursing? It's slightly sticky, and will at least create a barrier for keeping germs out of the wound. If it's safe for newborns to injest, it must still be okay for the 12 month plus set.
