What should I do if my skin swells up after being pricked by a cactus spine?

If pricked by a cactus spine and swelling occurs, promptly remove any remaining spines, clean and disinfect the wound, apply cold compresses to reduce swelling, avoid irritating the wound, and monitor changes in symptoms. Seek immediate medical attention if swelling worsens or if signs such as pus formation or dizziness occur.

1. Remove residual spines promptly: Use tweezers to gently pull out visible spines. For finer spines, use adhesive tape to stick and lift them off. Avoid pressing on the wound during the process to prevent breaking the spines deeper into the skin or spreading any toxins.

2. Clean and disinfect the wound: Rinse the wound with saline solution, then gently wipe the area and surrounding skin with iodine tincture to kill surface bacteria and reduce the risk of infection. Avoid using alcohol, which may irritate the wound and increase pain.

3. Apply cold compress to reduce swelling: Wrap an ice pack in a towel and apply it to the swollen area for 15–20 minutes at a time, repeating every 1–2 hours. This helps constrict blood vessels and alleviate redness, swelling, and pain.

4. Avoid irritating the wound: Do not scratch or rub the swollen area. Avoid applying unverified ointments. Wear loose, breathable clothing to prevent friction against the wound, which could worsen symptoms.

5. Monitor symptom changes: Continuously observe the extent of swelling and level of pain. If signs of infection appear—such as expanding redness, discharge, or fever—take appropriate further action promptly.

In daily care, keep the wound clean and dry, avoid contact with water, maintain a light diet avoiding spicy or irritating foods, refrain from strenuous activities that might strain the wound, and regularly clean and disinfect as needed to ensure proper healing.