Is cactus thorn toxic when it punctures the skin? Is there any impact if it is not removed?
Let's learn about the introduction related to whether the cactus thorn is toxic when it punctures the skin and whether there is any impact if it is not removed.
Generally speaking, cactus thorns are not toxic. However, if the cactus grows outdoors for a long time, there will be a lot of dust on it, and if it punctures the flesh, it may lead to an infection.
At this time, it is necessary to ensure that the wound is clean and the thorn is removed promptly, followed by disinfection of the wound. If you are not at ease, you can also consider getting a tetanus vaccine.
What will happen if a cactus thorn cannot be removed from the flesh
1. The thorn may come out by itself
If the cactus thorn is not deeply embedded in the flesh, even without treatment, the thorn may come out by itself after a few days because the skin cells will push out the small thorn during growth and repair.
2. There may be an infection
If the cactus thorn is deeply embedded in the flesh and the thorn is large, it may cause an infection, resulting in redness, swelling, and pain. In severe cases, it may even cause pus formation or spread the infection.
3. It may cause an allergic reaction
Some people may experience allergic symptoms after being punctured by a cactus if the thorn is not removed promptly.
Will you be poisoned if punctured by a cactus
Generally, there is no toxicity when a cactus thorn punctures a person.
Although the thorn is not toxic, it should still be removed promptly after puncturing, as it will still be painful when it is squeezed in the flesh. Since cacti grow outdoors, the thorns may be covered with bacteria, dust, etc., and may cause an infection when they puncture the flesh.
What to do if punctured by a cactus
Method 1: First, clean the wound and apply alcohol or iodine solution to the area where the puncture occurred. Then, use tweezers or a thorn remover tool to pull out the thorn along the direction it entered. Be careful not to break the thorn, and finally, clean the wound with antiseptic solution.
Method 2: You can also find a needle, even a blackhead needle, and apply alcohol or iodine solution to the needle and the punctured area. Then, use the needle to pierce the skin where the thorn is embedded and remove the thorn.
Method 3: First, soak the area in warm water to open up the skin pores and make it easier to remove the thorn. Then, apply a small piece of medical adhesive tape to the area with the thorn. Afterward, heat it with a light bulb and quickly remove the tape, and the thorn will be pulled out with it.
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