It is critical to be cautious when handling cacti and to seek medical attention if you are hurt as a result. Because cacti glochids can stay in the skin for up to nine months if not removed, using tweezers with a magnifying glass and plenty of patience is required to completely remove them. Foods that you consume may cause your mouth, lips, tongue, or throat to swell or itch. Although the thorns on a cactus are not poisonous, they can be excruciatingly painful and can cause illness from being pierced. It is possible, although it is not very likely. The duration of these reactions can range between two and four months, and it is important to remove any visible spines as soon as possible to avoid more serious complications. So if youre ever in the desert and come across a prickly plant-like thing is it safe to say hello? If you are suffering from pain, you should consider using an over-the-counter pain reliever. "Irritant Contact Dermatitis from Plants." If this happens to you, contact your doctor immediately. Dock plant leaves are big, oval in shape, and have rounded tips and wavy edges. However, some cactus needles can cause irritation in pets and may lead to an allergic reaction if they come into contact with them often enough or ingest any of their parts (either by chewing on a needle that has fallen off from one plant onto another nearby). After 10 minutes, use soap and water to wash away the chemicals from the surface of the skin. Disclaimer. Itching, also known as "pruritus" can be uncomfortable. Cover with a bandage. This will help prevent foreign material from getting into the wound and causing an infection. When the cactus glochids are removed, they can be used to speed up the healing process. Learn more about the symptoms of poison oak rash and how to treat it here. To avoid infection and discomfort, a proper level of care and caution should be taken. J Allergy Clin Immunol. In conclusion, cacti are not poisonous in general, but some are. Occupational exposure to Christmas cacti has been reported as a cause of type I allergy. Books about skin diseasesBooks about the skin This site needs JavaScript to work properly. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. This is because if the chemicals are allowed to dry on the skin, theyre easier to remove. I specialize in growing and maintaining a variety of plants, flowers, herbs and vegetables, as well as providing advice and guidance to others on how to care for their own gardens. It contains some of these same toxins as those mentioned before but it does not have any latex-like juice like the Barrel Cacti do only its spikes are poisonous to humans (and animals). We'll give you the facts on how to recognize symptoms, which foods to avoid, and how to treat anaphylaxis. Pollen is a natural seasonal allergy trigger. All rights reserved. Cholla. If the tape isnt effective enough, you can try a wax strip hair-removal product. I also have extensive knowledge of plant life, soil health, and garden design, and I'm always eager to share my knowledge with others. Bristles are similar to glochids, but they are not as sharp and will cause less irritation. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can range from mild to severe, depending on the individual and the amount of exposure to the cactus. Apply an antiseptic or antibacterial gel to the area after gently cleaning it with soap and warm water. Even though it may appear to be an acquired taste, it can be an excellent addition to anyones diet. You can expect more plant pollen and seasonal allergies if you put any of these plants in your yard. The Prickly Pear has spines on its pads as well but these do not have any toxins like those found inside other types to make them more dangerous than others this plant only contains latex sap from their stems (which will irritate your skin). These needles have toxic sap that can cause severe skin irritation if it gets into your eyes or mouth. If think you might have one of these conditions, see your doctor for a diagnosis to identify the source of your discomfort. doi:10.1111/cod.12222 [see also parts 2-4]. If you can't prevent allergy triggers or if counter-medicines won't do the job for you, please call your doctor at Edmond allergy clinic. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is critical that allergy sufferers understand the possibility of allergic reactions caused by cactus pollen and take necessary precautions to reduce their exposure. If you crush some of the leaves and apply them to the skin, it can provide relief. Both the cactus pad and the cactus fruit are high in fiber, which can lower cholesterol levels in the blood. Abstract cactus dermatitis is a condition caused by contact with certain cacti, such as the prickly pear. If you leave cactus needles in your hand, you could be at risk for some serious and painful consequences. A Dietitian Explains, The 5 Best At-Home Celiac Test Kits of 2023. ): This disease affects several kinds of cacti, Cereus, Echinocactus, Mammillaria, and particularly Opuntia (prickly pear). These needles are thinner than the rest and less visible, but they can still be felt. Rhus tree contact allergy: linear vesicular reaction Chemicals flow through them into the skin, which causes a stinging sensation and a rash. The Peruvian Torch (Echinopsis Peruviana) Cactus is a type of cactus that is found in the wild and can be located throughout South America. The vast majority of cacti have infections that can be easily treated with proper care and caution. Bookshelf If you suspect you are having an allergic reaction to cactus, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Although the rash is not contagious, it is extremely painful. "Anytime your skin is irritated, you really want to baby it.". 1994 Apr 4-11;49(14-15):347-51. Sometimes, its an inability to digest the natural sugar found in fruits (fructose). The skin surrounding the hives may be red. When the spines are exposed to direct sunlight, they can scratch the skin, resulting in inflamed wounds and papules. Some ideal cactus for cold climates include: Prickly Pear. Stem and leaf hairs. The study aimed to determine whether occupational contact urticaria and symptoms of mucous membranes, reported by five workers in a cactus nursery, were due to IgE-mediated allergy to Schlumbergera cacti. Results: Therefore, it is best to use tweezers to carefully remove each needle from your skin, and to immediately clean the affected area with rubbing alcohol to help prevent infection. Get medical help in severe cases, or if the rash is on the face or genitals. eCollection 2017 Winter. The sap of some euphorbia plants contains cycasin, which is a chemical that can cause vomiting and diarrhea. 2019;85(7):528-34. doi:10.1055/a-0873-1494. There are steps you can take to minimize your chances of experiencing an allergic reaction to pollen. Allergic reactions to fruit are commonly associated with oral allergy syndrome (OAS). Note that this may not provide an exact translation in all languages, Home If you see a large segment of Cylindropuntia or other prickly plants, you should remove them before hiking further. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. It is also possible for cactus spines to cause skin irritations and, if not removed, complications such as inflammation, infection, toxin mediated reactions, allergic reactions, and granuloma formation. I specialize in growing and maintaining a variety of plants, flowers, herbs and vegetables, as well as providing advice and guidance to others on how to care for their own gardens. 1997 Jun;52(6):656-60. doi: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.1997.tb01045.x. The only time cacti are dangerous is if you eat them, which can cause stomachaches and diarrhea. These cookies perform functions like remembering presentation options or choices and, in some cases, delivery of web content that based on self-identified area of interests. Treatment options include using a topical cream or ointment to reduce pain and inflammation and keeping the area clean and dry. Stinging nettles are plants that are commonly found in many areas of the world. Aster. government site. (2017). In some cases, a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis may occur. Paulsen E, Skov PS, Bindslev-Jensen C, Voitenko V, Poulsen LK. There are a variety of diagnostic tests they can perform to identify an allergy, OAS, or food intolerance. What you should know before starting this treatment. Although the toxicity of this specific succulent is unknown, ingesting it can cause vomiting, depression, and incoordination in animals. Plant dermatitis should be suspected clinically on history and examination. For relief during this time, try using the juices from a dock plant or a jewelweed plant. Sheehan MP. This can often be enough to greatly reduce or completely remove any pain, itching, or swelling. And exposure to tiny hairs or fibers can cause red bumps or patches, swelling, pain, or itching. Allergic contact and photoallergic contact dermatitis to plant and pesticide allergens. To coax the buried needle to the surface, apply pressure to the needles inner point. No noncactus workers or controls were allergic to cacti based on these criteria. The cacti workers were responsible for 37 of the 207 urticaria and/or rhinoconjunctivitis that they had come into contact with. Despite the fact that cacti are not usually associated with allergies, they can cause a variety of reactions, including inflammation, infection, toxin mediated reactions, and granuloma formation. To prevent cactus infections, keep plants in well-draining soil, provide adequate air circulation, avoid overwatering, and provide adequate light. You can reduce the risk of infection by bandageing your wound. 2000 Sep;55(9):836-41. doi: 10.1034/j.1398-9995.2000.00484.x. Dermatol Clin. Topics AZ Afterward, the rash commonly feels itchy. To treat a cactus spine injury to the skin, the visible spines are typically removed and the inflamed skin is treated with a topical corticosteroid. If you live in an area with Birch or alder tree pollen, as well as ragweed pollen, you may suffer from oral allergy syndrome. It does however produce an edible fruit called prickly pear fruits that are used in making jams and jellies. As a result, when handling cacti, it is critical to exercise caution because they can be harmful to humans. This can help prove a little extra protection during the day, then you can remove the bandage to let it air out at night, says Katta. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. Ease pain and itching. You can expect more plant pollen and seasonal allergies if you put any of these plants in your yard. "And these can manifest in wheezing, cough, chest . The rash isnt contagious, but it can be extremely uncomfortable if the reaction is severe. These include the following: The San Pedro Cactus is a type of cactus that grows in the wild and can be found in Mexico, Central America, and South America. Updated: Hana Numan, Medical Writer, New Zealand. That recognition triggers an allergic reaction in some people. There can be severe pain and difficulty removing cacti such as cacti and glochids. Here are some ways to relieve the discomfort and treat skin abrasions from plants. Pollen from cacti and succulents can cause allergic reactions in those who are allergic to them. The PubMed wordmark and PubMed logo are registered trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. As a result, it is critical to exercise extreme caution when dealing with cactus spines, as they can cause a variety of health problems. Here are the types of pollen and their related fruits that may trigger an OAS reaction: OAS and fruit allergies can trigger symptoms that range from uncomfortable to severe and even life-threatening. All rights reserved. Many people may not realize that cactus needles can cause an allergic reaction. Clean the wounded area. You may also want to give these natural antihistamines a try. Several cactus species may also cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or even paralysis if eaten raw. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. A cactus glochid can easily detach from the plant and lodge itself in the skin, causing irritation. Background: These can appear anywhere on the body, and they can cause skin irritation, particularly if they are large and connected. doi:10.1016/j.ad.2011.07.017. Alpha-gal reactions commonly cause allergic reactions to red meat. arrow-right-small-blue Testing with fresh cactus material elicited positive SPT and negative HRT/Refix in 27 nursery workers and controls, of whom 12 had immediate-type skin and mucosal symptoms. A rash from cactus needles can occur when someone comes into contact with the sharp spines of a cactus. Plants such as agave or yucca have needle-sharp leaves, and getting too close can leave you with a cut or skin abrasion. Get help from methods that are medicine-free. Plants with spines, thorns, or small emergings, known as glochids, are frequently to blame for plant-related rashes. Allergenic foods and their allergens. Cactus allergies can cause a variety of symptoms, including sneezing, coughing, runny nose, itchy eyes, nasal congestion, and skin rash. Occupational type I allergy to Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera). Cookies used to track the effectiveness of CDC public health campaigns through clickthrough data. If left untreated, the rash may develop into a painful, pus-filled blister. An allergic reaction to cactus is quite rare, but can occur when the skin comes into contact with the plants needles. Signs and symptoms include: Low-grade fever Weight loss Cough Chest pain Blood-tinged sputum (matter discharged during coughing) Nodules in the lungs Disseminated coccidioidomycosis The most serious form of the disease, disseminated coccidioidomycosis, is uncommon. What you should know before starting this treatment. In that case, it's best to call your doctor. This dermatitis is caused by glochidia, which are tiny spines found within the cactus body that can easily be separated. Skin tests show that glochid extracts from these cacti are related to allergic granulomas, according to the findings of the tests. If you think you may be having an allergic reaction to cactus, it is important to know how to tell if you are actually allergic to cactus. Katta says to avoid witch hazel or rubbing alcohol, which can irritate skin. Stinging nettle rash occurs when the skin comes into contact with stinging nettles. Poison oak rash can produce a severe, painful rash. Glochid or glochidia (singular glochidium), which are spines with long, barbed hairs, can be found on the areoles of cacti in the subfamily Opuntioideae. DermNet does not provide an online consultation service. Cactus-related contact urticaria and/or rhinoconjunctivitis were reported by 37% of the cactus workers. As a result, cacti pose a variety of risks, so keep an eye on them and take precautions if you have them. In rare cases, some people may have an allergic reaction to stinging nettles. Dermarolling, aka microneedling, is the art of erasing unwanted acne scars, wrinkles, and stretch marks. OAS and fruit allergies can trigger symptoms that range from uncomfortable to severe and even life-threatening. (2014). The presence of spines on the skin may result in an irritated granulomatous response. What would happen if my dog ate a cactus? Treating Cactus Rot Issues G Ital Dermatol Venereol. The prickly pear has long spines (referred to as glochids) that can cause rashes and scratches. Exposure may be: Plant dermatitis Cactus Allergy Symptoms Cactus allergies can cause a variety of symptoms, including sneezing, coughing, runny nose, itchy eyes, nasal congestion, and skin rash. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. It is not recommended to remove the thorn yourself, as doing so could aggravate the situation. Some decorative plants such as pampas grass look soft, but actually have razor-sharp edges that can easily slice skin. While the reactions to cactus needles can vary widely, they can include everything from mild itching and rashes to more severe reactions such as anaphylactic shock. People who experience an allergic reaction should also avoid contact with other cacti in the future. Some over-the-counter and prescription medications may be able to help alleviate symptoms. Its also known as pollen-food allergy. Scratching can also lead to infection of the area, which will require further treatment. Even though the spines have no venom or toxins in them, its still important to be careful when handling cacti because they do cause skin irritations. Unable to load your collection due to an error, Unable to load your delegates due to an error. The combination of positive histories, positive SPT, and positive HRT/Refix to cactus was what resulted in 8% cactus workers developing cacti allergies. See additional information. Despite the fact that spines are not always visible, the skin can respond to granulomatous conditions in this manner. If you'll be in an area where you may be exposed to irritating plants -- whether in your own yard or out hiking in the woods -- be sure to wear long sleeves and pants, and always use protective gloves when working in the garden. Bitten by a mosquito? With just a cut or scratch, pure petroleum jelly applied to the cut provides a little extra moisture that seems to aid in wound healing, says Katta. The symptoms of an aspartame allergy include contact dermatitis (skin irritation), mood disorder, stress, and depression. If not completely removed, the spines of a cactus can also cause inflammation, infection, toxin mediated reactions, allergic reactions, and granuloma formation. For cacti and prickly pear cacti, figs, mulberries, thistles, and saw palmetto are among the species. In more severe cases, people may experience difficulty breathing and anaphylaxis. Be aware that antihistamines may make you drowsy. If the spine gets under your skin, it can cause itchy, rough eruptions that itch and turn to bumps. Sylphaceous plants, such as spines, thorns, or small emergences known as glochids, are among the most common causes of rashes caused by plants. The vast majority of cactus needles are harmless, but they can cause skin infections, puncture wounds, and other injuries. mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/food-allergy/expert-answers/food-allergy/faq-20058538, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/allergies/symptoms-causes/syc-20351497, https://acaai.org/allergies/types/food-allergies/types-food-allergy/oral-allergy-syndrome, Everything You Need to Know About Red Meat Allergies, Is There a Best At-Home Food Sensitivity Test? Despite the fact that this condition can be difficult to treat, there is a simple and effective way to alleviate it. If your cactuss leaves are yellowing, it is most likely due to overwatering rather than a lack of watering. To remove the glochids, apply pantyhose to the area and then rub them against it. There is no scientific evidence to support this practice, but its been widely used as a treatment for stinging nettle rash for hundreds of years. Both of these plants can usually be found in the same areas as stinging nettles. The symptoms of a severe allergic reaction to stinging nettles are: tightness in the chest or throat; difficulty breathing; wheezing; swelling in the mouth, including the tongue or lips; Thorns. The effects of drinking the water are usually not serious but its best to avoid it if youre pregnant or have an underlying health condition. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. It also has sharp needles on its pads for protection from predators but these do not contain any toxins like those mentioned before only latex-like juice (which will irritate your hands). If that doesn't work, one study found that applying a thin layer of household glue to the skin, topping it with a layer of gauze, and removing it after 30 minutes removed the majority of spines. Erythema may be difficult to observe in skin of colour. Probably not! These plants can be found in a variety of parts of the world, including the Americas, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Australia. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. Plant allergen-induced contact dermatitis. A Comparative Evaluation of Several Methods." All noncactus workers and control personnel who met these criteria were not allergic to cacti. They can cause skin infections, puncture wounds, and other injuries. See additional information. Its needles are long and sharp, so its important to wear gloves when handling them. Skin wounds can result from spines being scratched or irritated, causing a variety of excoriations in the most severe cases. Some people recommend rubber cement, while others prefer Elmers glue or something similar. They are typically found on the outer edges of a cactus, and they can be either sharp or soft. Even experienced gardeners have to deal with irritating plants that can cut, sting, and cause painful or itchy, irritated skin. Your tree may be harboring allergy triggers such as mold spores and pollen that have settled on the trunk and branches during its time outdoors. Just soak a clean washcloth in tap water and apply it to the skin for 15 minutes. Get help from methods that are medicine-free. Cookies used to enable you to share pages and content that you find interesting on CDC.gov through third party social networking and other websites. You'll have fewer worries with these plants that make little to no airborne pollen. Allergic reactions to cactus can range from mild to severe, with symptoms such as itching, rashes, hives, and even difficulty breathing. Its a type of cactus that is used in the production and distribution of cocaine. But people who frequently handle tulips bulbs can get a condition called "tulip fingers," caused by a combination of the irritating fibers and a certain chemical in the bulb. Euphorbias are a type of succulent that looks like cactus but are not. Try spreading glue like rubber cement, Elmers glue, or something similar on the area where you believe the needle has become embedded to aid in the removal of the needle or glochid. If you have any signs of an allergic reaction, keep an eye out for them so that you can take appropriate steps to treat them as soon as possible. It's also touted for its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. But sometimes the effects of the sting can last for up to 24 hours. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. The doctors diagnosed it as zoster pox, herpes virus etc . Cookies used to make website functionality more relevant to you. Cactus pollen is usually spread by the wind, so it is important to stay away from areas where cacti are growing if you have an allergy. Signs or symptoms associated with skin contact with poisonous plants may include: . Plant cacti are cylindrical or spherical in shape and are spuny cactuses. An allergist can offer a number of methods to make and confirm a diagnosis, including: If you have a physical reaction to fruit, make an appointment with your doctor or allergist. It can be used to treat a variety of skin. There are a lot of OPuntia plants in my garden. If you get pricked by a cactus, its important to wash the area with soap and water as soon as possible. Wearing gloves, rub the skin with a moistened pair of nylon pantyhose. Apple, cherry, Chinese fan palm (female), fern pine (female), dogwood, English holly (female), Bradford pear, crepe myrtle, hardy rubber tree, magnolia, pear, plum, red maple (female). Classic beauties such as rose bushes and bougainvillea just two examples of thorny shrubs -- are notoriously prickly. Saving Lives, Protecting People, The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Beehive or Pincushion cactus. doi:10.1001/archderm.135.1.67. Baby's breath. I was out cutting back the agave cactus and got the sap on my hands and a little on my arms, and I have been going through some crazy irritation and hives! A positive history, positive SPT, and positive HRT/Refix to cactus resulted in 8% cacti workers being allergic to cacti, according to the results of the study. When it comes to prevention, Katta says to keep your eyes open. Picture of Cercarial Dermatitis: Swimmer's Itch. 2014;71(1):112. 1999;135(1):6770. If a cactus thorn has pierced your skin, you should remove it as soon as possible to avoid infection. DermNet does not provide an online consultation service.If you have any concerns with your skin or its treatment, see a dermatologist for advice. Having an allergic reaction to cactus may be a surprise to some, but it is actually a lot more common than you may think. and transmitted securely. . Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can be used to alleviate pain caused by a variety of conditions. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. A cactus will certainly pierce your skin if you are exposed to it. If you are allergic to the plant or have an open wound, it will be very easy for you to get infected by the bacteria from the plants needles. Can cactus needles make you sick? Methods: Careers. Toraason M, Sussman G, Biagini R, Meade J, Beezhold D, Germolec D. Toxicol Sci. Furthermore, 22 healthy controls were included and tested in vivo and in vitro. Orange Snowball cactus. FOIA Immunotherapy is a long-term treatment that can help to reduce or prevent allergic reactions. Its important to try not to touch the rash for the first 10 minutes after receiving the sting. Old Man cactus. If the spines are not completely removed, they can cause complications such as inflammation, infection, toxin mediated reactions, allergic reactions, and granuloma formation. It is usually thought that inflammation will go away in two to four months with this method. A needle that does not protrude above the skin may be an option, but you should supervise carefully to ensure that the wound does not become infected. To treat this condition, it is important to remove the spines from the affected area as soon as possible. Tom Ogren, author,Allergy-Free Gardening,Ten Speed Press, 2000; Safe Sex in the Garden, Ten Speed Press, 2004. Latex sensitivity in dental students and staff: a cross-sectional study. "Some from the presence of thorns or needles, but other plants have sharp edges or hairs on them that can cause skin irritation.". Here are. No noncactus workers or controls were allergic to cacti by these criteria. You can also try aloe vera and a paste made from baking soda and water. Pollen from cacti can cause symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, a runny nose, and itchy throat. These cookies may also be used for advertising purposes by these third parties. Common symptoms of an allergic reaction include redness, itching, and swelling of the skin, as well as hives, eczema, or anaphylaxis. Cactus needles can be dangerous because they are sharp and have a lot of surface area. It has been said by many people who live in the desert regions where these cacti grow best (Arizona) they are considered as one type which will provide you with shade. National Library of Medicine According to a study of cactus workers, 37% have seen cactus-related urticaria and/or rhinoconjunctivitis, and 8% show signs of cacti allergies. 2019;154(1):429. This prevents wash solutions from drying on the skin and further spreading the urushiol. That's because holiday trees can carry allergens like mold and dust. After cleaning, use a sturdy tape to remove any remaining fibers from the skin. Would you like email updates of new search results? A clean cloth can be used, if you arent close to soap and water, until the area can be cleaned properly.