If you’re heading to the desert any time soon, there is one question you may want to know the answer to: How do you remove cactus needles from skin?
There is nothing quite like the glorious desert, especially Arizona’s Sonoran Desert. The sunsets are breathtaking, the night sky is spectacular, and the tall saguaros (the tall cacti with long arms) lining our highways are entrancing. But what you need to watch out for are the little and mid-sized cacti; these sure can inflict some discomfort.
Here a few tips regarding some of the types of cacti you will see in Sonoran Desert and an answer to the question above. After all, it doesn’t take much to end up with a patch of spines, or needles, stuck in your skin. There are several species of “Jumping Cactus” and these succulents are one variety you really need to watch out for. While they don’t actually jump out and attack you they do attach to your skin easily. Just brushing by them is enough to get them to latch on.
The prickly pear cacti (in the bottom frame of photo to the left) are another type to avoid. Surrounding the large thorns protruding out of the cactus are glochids, tiny, hair-like barbed spines that appear to be fuzzy and soft – kids are naturally fascinated. When stepped on or handled, hundreds of the tiny glochids can get lodged in the skin (been there with my son!). This is one of the many reasons to never walk barefoot in the desert and always check the ground before letting your husband slide under the engine of your SUV.
The good stuff: If you end up with one or two lodged in the skin, they’re easy to remove with tweezers. But what if you become one of the unfortunate and end up with a hand, foot or butt (yes, it happens!) full of needles? Spread a thin layer of glue (Elmer’s works fine) over the area. Let the glue sit for a while, then when it is completely dry, peel the glue off. Needles will rise and be removed with the glue. You may need to repeat a couple of times if you get a good foot or handful. And that is how to remove cactus needles from skin. If you encounter a severe fall and end up covered in needles don’t hesitate to call a doctor – but really, your best best it too just avoid the fall all together.
Enjoy the desert!
Glue! Who knew!
I was fortunate not to get too many stuck in me when I lived in New Mexico. Certainly not a butt-full!
How do I remove prickly pear thorns that is lodged in my throat?.
Rose
Hi Rose,
That sounds miserable. I’m not a doctor, but I’ve heard eating bread can help remove things caught in the throat. But before you try that or anything else please consult a physician.
If you find a solution, please let us know!
I want to thank you so very much for your glue solution. Who knew. I’ve lived around cactus all my life, but stupidly thought I was covered to cut off a piece to root. You are very nice to share this with us. in appreciation. Laurel Dunn
We have some in our backyard and my mom thought she could pick it this evening and avoid the needles only to find that was impossible, so I was glad to find your how to remove advice. Next attempt, if we ever attempt again, will be with thick gloves.
Using gloves is a wise idea!
My 19 month old daughter touched a prickly pear cactus tonight and got what seemed like millions of the tiny hair-like needles in her hand. She let my husband pick out some of it without fussing, but after about 5 minutes she was saying “ouch”. I read this suggestion about the glue after we got them out, but we did it by using Sally Hansen Wax Strip Kit!! The rest of them came out so fast and she didn’t seem to be bothered by my husband using them on her hand!
Glad your little one is okay! Smarting thinking using the wax strips.
Please, what if small needle has struck deep down so that we can’t se it? Is applying cumin paste helpful?
i got 100s of prickly pear tiny hair-like needles in my hand and lips. after reading all the helpfull ideas, i tryed deep cleansing pore strips on my lips and it worked
I used a paste of baking soda and water. Tequila really helped too. Right now, I’m looking at my girlfriend who has a baking soda paste on her lips that looks pretty funky, but feels good. Whatever works.
Thank you for the glue tip. I tried packing tape to no avail. I am being pricked on my arms everytime I move because I was pulling weeds in my cactus garden and got all kinds of little needles in my arms. Here I was trying to avoid the big ones, and got stuck by the little “invisible” ones instead.
my 2 yr old fall in to cactus just a faw min ago n i still cant get them all out. do i need to take her to dr. because she so little .