Friday, May 18. 2007
We Get Questions about Cactus Spines
Often we are asked how to remove cactus spines.
Q: I was stuck by a cactus thorn mid-Feb(a chulla?I think-I can find out). I couldn't get the tip out,I guess. My thumb was swollen and STILL aches horribly-my joints are very painful, and the Dr.'s here think I am overreacting. Could a cactus cause some type of poisoning? I really am in a lot of pain(thumb throbs)-any idea of who I should contact? Any help would be really appreciated-I am in Atlanta,GA.
Many thanks,Barbara L
A: Barbara,
While I am not a doctor, I have been stuck by many, many cacti and I know how much deep buried spines can hurt.
Cacti spines are not poisonous, though Euphorbia, which can look like cactus have poisonous sap and can cause allergic reactions in about twenty percent of the population. But if the plant that stuck you was a cholla, it is a cactus. So other than your body reacting to having a nastily barbed spine buried in your thumb, which potentially can become infected, it is unlikely it is poisoned. But if it does look like you are getting an infection, go back to the doctor and get it treated!
I find that using regular heat treatments helps the body "fester" out the spines. Try soaking your thumb in hot water with epsom salts added, several times a day for twenty minutes or so. It relieves the pain and helps the spine work its way out. For your thumb it may be easiest to just soak your whole hand in a pot of hot water, it will also help the joint pain caused by your immune system trying to attack the invading spine. Usually several days of regular soaking will bring even the most deeply buried spines to the surface where they can be removed with tweezers. Once it is out you will heal up quickly, though a few more hot soaks will help the pain.
Good luck and take care,
Hap
Q: I was stuck by a cactus thorn mid-Feb(a chulla?I think-I can find out). I couldn't get the tip out,I guess. My thumb was swollen and STILL aches horribly-my joints are very painful, and the Dr.'s here think I am overreacting. Could a cactus cause some type of poisoning? I really am in a lot of pain(thumb throbs)-any idea of who I should contact? Any help would be really appreciated-I am in Atlanta,GA.
Many thanks,Barbara L
A: Barbara,
While I am not a doctor, I have been stuck by many, many cacti and I know how much deep buried spines can hurt.
Cacti spines are not poisonous, though Euphorbia, which can look like cactus have poisonous sap and can cause allergic reactions in about twenty percent of the population. But if the plant that stuck you was a cholla, it is a cactus. So other than your body reacting to having a nastily barbed spine buried in your thumb, which potentially can become infected, it is unlikely it is poisoned. But if it does look like you are getting an infection, go back to the doctor and get it treated!
I find that using regular heat treatments helps the body "fester" out the spines. Try soaking your thumb in hot water with epsom salts added, several times a day for twenty minutes or so. It relieves the pain and helps the spine work its way out. For your thumb it may be easiest to just soak your whole hand in a pot of hot water, it will also help the joint pain caused by your immune system trying to attack the invading spine. Usually several days of regular soaking will bring even the most deeply buried spines to the surface where they can be removed with tweezers. Once it is out you will heal up quickly, though a few more hot soaks will help the pain.
Good luck and take care,
Hap
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Several years ago I had the unfortunate experience of tripping and falling backward into a decorative container of cacti. I called my doctor and asked if I should come in--and he told me to buy Ichthammol Ointment 20% at the drugstore and put it on any areas that thorns may still be in place. Ichthammol somehow helps draw the stickers to the skin surface. It's also used for boils. Anyway, it worked for me, and everytime I get stuck working with cacti and can't get a thorn out, I use this ointment. The downside--it stinks and stains!
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