Got stung by cactus needles and wondering how to remove cactus needles? Let us give you some simple and easy solutions!
So this happens when we work with cactus! Sometimes the prickly thorns may pierce our skin, or get in our clothes, hair, and whatnot! If you feel the need to know how to remove these prickly spikes, then let us read on!
Understand What Cactus Needles Are
These prickly pokers are not just there to stab you! Although they have many functions benefiting the cactus plant. Their thorns are derived from leaves and primarily serve as shade during the day and insulation during the night.
Cactus spines also collect water. Some are curved downward so that when water condenses it will fall on the ground around the roots, while others have a cork-like texture to absorb water.
Did you know, in Prickly pear cactus, the spines can root about 30 cm deep in the ground and start a new plant!
How to Remove Cactus Needles
Whether you’re planting prickly pears or cute bunny ear cacti, you need to be careful while working with these plants. All kinds of cactus have spikes of different varieties depending upon the species. Just learn how to avoid them and remove those needles from your skin, clothes and hairs!
How to Remove Cactus Needles From the Skin
1. With the Help of Tweezers
This method is conventional mainly for the cacti with a distinct amount of medium to large-sized spikes or needles. If the cactus needle can be seen then you can grip the end of it with a pair of tweezers and gently pull it out. The best way to do it is to quickly pull it out in the same direction as it is inside the skin and finally, without snapping the needle as well.
Expert advice on how to remove cactus needles from the skin, anywhere near the face or neck requires immediate, professional medical attention.
2. Brush Off Using a Nylon Stocking
Glochids are minute, thin, hairlike cactus needles that are short and fragile which you can find in Bunny ear cactus. They can get easily stuck in the hair follicles of our skin. Additionally, they are almost invisible. So, to remove them you need to wear gardening gloves and rub on the area with a nylon pantyhose in the opposite direction.
Tips: Some gardeners claim the use of duct tape is effective although, pantyhose in comparison to duct tape, are much safer for the skin without causing any skin irritation.
3. Dress Your Wounds Properly After Taking Out The Needles.
After removing the needles it is necessary to clean the affected area of your skin with clean water and a cleansing solvent. Secondly, after this is done you need to apply antibiotic cream or gel over the wound and wrap it with a bandage if required.
You can always use a magnifying mirror to look at the affected area later to cross-examine if the area is thoroughly clean or not.
How To Remove Cactus Needles From Clothes
1. Remove Cactus Needles From Clothes With Duct Tape.
When it comes to clothes, you can simply use duct tape to apply on the area where the needles are and pull in the opposite direction of the needles. Why duct tape? Well, because you won’t be able to pull every single microscopic cactus needle one by one! So, this is a very effective home remedy! You can repeat this multiple times for the best results.
Warning: Please do not use this method on your skin.
2. Clean Your Clothes Properly After Removing The Needles.
Once you have removed the needles you must wash your clothes thoroughly in a washing machine and run them through a cleaning cycle. Finally, doing so will remove all the remaining residue.
And remember not to wash these clothes with other garments.
How To Remove The Cactus Needle From Hair
- You can pull out large needles with a pair of tweezers.
- With the help of a comb also, you can remove them. But make sure you wear hand gloves in both methods or else your hand may get affected. This method is more effective with a fine-toothed comb. Just run it through the affected area of your hair or your pet’s hair and most of the needles will come out.
- Lastly, wash your hair properly with shampoo after soaking it with lukewarm water and blow dry.
For Cactus Lovers!
We hope this was helpful to you in some way. Plus, you can also read about how long it takes for cactus needles to dissolve. We already have an article on it, so please have a look!
So, next time please be more careful and if possible please keep them out of reach of kids and pets. But do not stop admiring these beauties! And in case you want to share your experiences with these prickly babies we would love to hear from you.
