What should I do if my hand becomes red, swollen, and painful after being pricked by a cactus?

Cactus spines causing redness, swelling, and pain require immediate measures such as removing foreign objects, rinsing the area locally, applying cold compresses to reduce swelling, applying medication, and monitoring symptoms. If severe infection, allergic reactions, or inability to remove the embedded spine occurs, seek medical attention promptly.

1. Remove foreign objects: Use sterilized tweezers or a needle to carefully extract cactus spines embedded in the skin, ensuring no residue remains. Avoid pressing on the affected area during the procedure to prevent breaking the spine deeper into the skin or causing infection.

2. Local rinsing: Rinse the wound with running water or saline solution for at least five minutes to remove any remaining spine fragments, plant sap, and debris, reducing irritation and the risk of infection.

3. Cold compress for swelling: Wrap an ice pack in a clean towel and apply it to the swollen area for 15–20 minutes at a time, repeating every 1–2 hours to help relieve pain and swelling.

4. Apply medication: After cleaning and disinfecting the wound, apply an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection. If itching is significant, use an antiallergic cream sparingly, following the principle of thin, even application.

5. Monitor symptoms: Watch for changes in the wound, including spreading redness or swelling, pus discharge, fever (signs of infection), or itching and rashes (indicating allergic reaction), and address any abnormalities promptly.

Maintain cleanliness and dryness of the wound in daily care—avoid getting it wet or subjecting it to friction. Do not scratch the affected area. Wear loose, breathable clothing to minimize local irritation, and avoid spicy or irritating foods to support wound healing.