Remove cactus needles

Video: Sneaky Jumping Cholla. Cactus Attack!

Content

To step
Method 1 of 2: removing glochids (tiny hair-like needles)
Tips
Warnings
Necessities

Walking through a desert landscape presents you with certain challenges that you do not have with other landscapes. Even if you just go for a leisurely stroll on vacation, you should be on the lookout for cacti with needles that can get stuck to your clothes and pierce your skin. Cacti such as the cylindropuntia fulgida (English: jumping cholla) and the cylindropuntia bigelovii (English: teddy-bear cholla) have numerous thin, hair-like needles that quickly stick to anything that brushes the plant. The more dangerous disc cactus has thicker, spiky needles that can cause a reaction on the skin if the injured person does not immediately remove the needle from the cactus.

To step

Method 1 of 2: removing glochids (tiny hair-like needles)

Use glue. White school glue is considered the most effective way to remove cactus needles. If you put this on your skin, you will be able to remove most of the glochids. Spread a layer of white glue on your skin and over the ends of the small cactus needles. Wait 5 to 10 minutes for the glue to dry and then peel it off your skin. The glochids should now come off your skin and stick to the glue. Repeat this process as needed to remove all needles.
Clean the wound. Because the spines of a cactus are quite large, they often leave small holes in your skin that could bleed.Whether or not the wound is bleeding, you must clean the wound so that it does not become infected. Use witch hazel or hydrogen peroxide to clean the cut. Pour some of the product onto a cotton pad and dab it on the wound. If necessary, use a bandage or gauze to bandage the wound.

Tips

Leaving cactus needles in your skin can cause an infection.

Warnings

In some people, a skin reaction can occur due to cactus needles. If you see blisters or feel pricking where the cactus needles were attached, see a dermatologist or your doctor for help.
Make sure you clean the wound thoroughly and properly. The wound can become infected if you don't.