Are rose thorns poisonous?
As one of the most popular ornamental flowers, the beauty of roses always makes people can't help but reach out and touch them. But those thorns hidden under the petals often cost people who love them "blood". When a finger is stabbed, in addition to pain, people are more worried about whether the thorns are toxic. This article will deeply analyze the potential risks of rose thorns and provide scientific and effective emergency response methods. Rose thorn toxicity reveals the natural properties of the plant itself. The rose thorn itself does not contain any toxic substances. Its structure is composed of lignified epidermal cells, and the main components are cellulose and lignin. This defense mechanism is very common in the plant kingdom and has similar biological functions to the thorns of cactus and the thorns of nettles. Potential pollution risks Insecticides and fungicides used in modern horticulture may remain on the surface of thorns. Experimental data show that within 48 hours after spraying pesticides, the residual concentration of thorn surfaces can reach 0.3- 0.5 mg/cm², which may cause contact dermatitis or local infection. The first step of the four-step emergency response plan: Use a magnifying glass to assist observation in precise needle removal, and use alcohol-disinfected tweezers to pick up visible needle bodies. If the penetration is deep, burn the tip of the needle on an open fire until it is slightly red. After cooling, pick it out parallel in the direction of penetration to avoid residual broken thorns. Step 2: Deep cleaning After rinsing with normal saline, dilute the iodophor solution at a ratio of 1:50 (recommended concentration of 0.5%), and use a sterile cotton swab to spirally clean the wound. Laboratory studies have shown that this cleaning method reduces bacterial residues by 89%. Step 3: Response to special circumstances When symptoms of redness, swelling, suppuration or fever occur, there are three conditions that may prompt medical treatment: 1) The wound diameter exceeds 5 mm2) There is no sign of healing within 48 hours 3) Radiation pain occurs. Step 4: Protection and prevention Wear thick gardening gloves (3mm thick nitrile material is recommended) when pruning roses, and regularly disinfect gardening tools with 10% bleach solution, which can reduce the risk of cross-infection by 90%. Long-term care recommends using vitamin E ointment for scar care after the wound has healed. For people prone to allergies, testing for plant allergens is recommended. Among them, people allergic to rose pollen have a stab wound allergic reaction that is three times higher than that of ordinary people.
Through scientific cognition and standardized treatment, we can not only continue to appreciate the beauty of roses, but also effectively avoid the risks brought by their defense mechanisms. Remember: Seek professional medical help immediately for any open wound that does not improve for more than 24 hours.