The Uncomfortable Truth: What Does It Feel Like to Get Pricked by a Cactus Plant?
It can feel like anything from a minor annoyance similar to a mosquito bite to something like getting a shot. Imagine sticking a pin or needle into yourself. That's what it feels like when you get pricked by a cactus needle. The sensation and severity depend not only on the type of cactus but also on the individual's sensitivity and reaction.
The Various Types of Cactus Pricks
Lots of cacti contain different types of needles, varying in size, shape, and even the specific pain they deliver. My personal experience with cacti dates back to about 30 years ago, and it really makes me feel a bit old when I recall those days.
The Skinny Egg Cactus
One cactus resembled a skinny egg, resting on its wider end, with elongated yellow needles. Getting pricked by those needles felt rather like being pricked by a sewing needle. They were long, thin, and painful.
The Fuzzy Cactus
Another cactus was small and densely covered with short fuzz-like needles. Just brushing against it made me itch for days. The tiny pricks in my skin required frequent application of hydrocortisone cream. I couldn't help but wonder if it might have been related to juniper, as brushing against juniper would often result in incredibly itchy hives all over my arms and legs.
Types of Cactus and Potential Reactions
It depends on the type of cactus and the sensitivity of the person. The needles have evolved as a defense mechanism, and they certainly work well at protecting the plant. Cholla cacti, for example, often have a papery sheath over their thorns. When thorns are removed, this sheath expands and can cause infections.
Cholla Cactus
Cholla cacti are notorious for their papery sheath. Even when you pull the thorns out, the sheath can absorb moisture and expand under your skin, leading to common infections.
Injuring Yourself While Handling Cacti
If you mess with one of these cacti…. The Cylindropuntia bigelowii, also known as the Teddybear cactus, is typically found in the hottest parts of the Sonoran Desert in North America. This cactus has barbed thorns that make it cling to your flesh. Pulling the cactus can leave you with a few thorns stuck in your skin, much like petting a porcupine.
Opuntia Genus and Glochids
The Opuntia genus includes cacti with so-called glochids. These are tiny spines with microscopic barbs. Accidentally touching one of these can cause intense pain and should be removed immediately to avoid deep skin penetration and potential abscesses or inflammation. Using a magnifying glass and tweezers is recommended to extract them.
Severity of Cactus Pricks
Getting pricked by a cactus can range from a minor irritation to a painful experience worthy of hospital attention. The severity can depend on how long the spikes are, how rigid they are, and how hard you get poked. Some people might be allergic to the cactus, and the pain can be magnified for them.
Tanya's Experience
Tanya's experience with tiny spiky cacti was particularly harrowing. Brushing up against them felt like being poked by 100 needles in one square inch, and it itches and is irritating. The bigger needles, on the other hand, can hurt like hell. This woman concludes that when it comes to delivering a painful stab, these cacti are the worst offenders in the cactus family.
Conclusion
Handling a cactus can be more than just a gardening chore; it can be a painful experience. The severity of the pain and reaction varies, making it crucial to understand the different types of cacti and their potential to cause injury.
Stay safe and be cautious when you encounter these prickly plants! They might be beautiful, but their defense mechanisms can be quite uncomfortable.