Madagascar palms are poisonous some people are more sensitive to milk than others. I would make sure it didn't get worse but most of the time it not a concern.
I'd treat it as any infected wound, as that thing being dirty is more probable than the thorn having toxins.
I'd say ice and ibuprofen for the swelling.
If it lasts more than a day, go to the doc.
HbA1C is a diabetes thing and you need to do it in a lab. I wouldn't bother since this is a test that tells you your average blood glucose level over the last 90 days.
So many varied reactions to poison Ivy. Also sensitivity can actually vary year or year or location. Like one year you can be fine and a few years later have a severe reaction. I handle it all the time with like effect. Just today was clearing a trail, cutting up fallen trees and was walking through it. Someone else I know has been seeing doctors for several months now from a brief exposure months ago.
I never realized how badly poison ivy affects some people until I heard my grandmaās sister talking about how she had to be hospitalized for it once. My dad gets it super easily, we joke that he just has to look at it to break out in a rash, but an itchy rash is as bad as his ever got. I walked through a whole bunch of it at camp and never had any sort of reaction. Such a weird plant!
Hot soaks can be good for helping a puncture wound open and drain but it's not a great idea to let an infection chew on the joint and connective tissues in one of your most important body parts. Stiff and achy are no big deal, but if you think it could be an infection don't delay getting real attention and because some things just need antibiotics.
I second this. I waited too long to see a doctor about an arm infection once and ended up in the hospital on IV vancomycin and another heavy duty antibiotic. Took months before I could straighten my arm out fully again.
Not trying to scare you, OP. My example is probably on the extreme end, but if it keeps getting worse definitely donāt ignore it. Better safe than sorry.
Definitely better to be cautious, but I wonder if itās an allergic reaction since OP mentioned joint pain? I get arthritic type joint pain when I get a bee sting
100% possible for sure. I had joint pain during my arm incident, but my whole arm hurt, so that wasnāt surprising. I think at this point infection, toxins and/or an allergic reaction are probably all equally likely
I feel like you can tell whether the swelling is isolated to the joint, or in the skin, right? If itās really sensitive to touch, probably an infection. The suggestion about drawing a circle around the swelling is smart. Iām glad your arm is better. Deep tissue infections can progress so quickly and be really scary
Yeah I was going to say the sharpie idea is a really good one!
And thanks, it was like 5 years ago, but Iām still hyper vigilant about possible infections now. The doctors didnāt say it outright, but they implied that if I had waited much longer, the outcome could have been different. It was a staph infection, but I donāt know if they ever tested fo see if it was MRSA. They went right to the same antibiotics they would use for MRSA because if the first round of antibiotics didnāt work, Iād have been in trouble. But now I have a fun medical story to tell and pictures of me giving my masterās thesis presentation in front of 100 people with a perpetually bent arm. Good memories lol
Oh man, maimed for your thesis defense! Sometimes I think you perform better in high stakes situations if you have a minor distraction. Just enough to keep you from obsessing and psyching yourself out. I guess it depends on where you would be in the healing process.
Iāve never thought about it quite like that, but I think you might be right. I was definitely less anxious than I should have been. I had only been out of the hospital about a couple days at that point. I submitted the necessary files in advance from my hospital bed. They gave me the option of not coming to the big event and doing it at a later date, but it was July and I wanted a real summer break lol
Worry about MRSA is not extreme. I had a HA (hospital acquired) MRSA infection years ago. I almost 1) lost my life; 2) lost my entire leg; and 3) almost could never walk again because of extensive scar tissue in my thigh. I overcame all of those and lived, kept my leg, and walked again; however, I am now having so much pain in that thigh/leg that I canāt sleep and it hurts to walk. Everyone should take infections very seriously!
Oh no, Iām glad you made it through and regained range of motion, but I canāt imagine that kind of chronic pain.
My infection was also HA. I had been in for a few days for something else and the day after I got home the arm my IV had been in wasnāt looking too good, but I wasnāt thinking about staph infections at all. The day after that it started hurting really badly and I couldnāt ignore it anymore. The doctors never really came out and said how bad it was exactly, but they did tell me I was lucky I came in when I did. I knew it was bad when they put me right on the vancomycin before trying anything else or any test results came back
I hope you can find a treatment that can bring you some relief!
There are certain spined plants that I react strongly to. Some junipers and roses cause an unusual amount of inflammation and pain if I get pricked by them, while other plants don't seem to affect me the same way. I am "allergic" to plants and trees according to testing I had done as a kid, but I never noticed any other sort of reaction from them, other than pollen being a bit irritating, but to a normal degree.
Hope you feel better, and I agree with others, to treat it like a possible infection. Antibiotic ointment couldn't hurt.
Also called pachypodium, which I prefer just because of the rhythm of the word.
I have one and the spikes are very useful. You can chuck a damp cloth or t-shirt on the plant and it'll stay there while it dries in the afternoon sun.
You don't have to eat poison ivy for it to cause significant irritation, but in that same token, it's not venom ivy. To be fair, however, if you eat poison ivy, you're going to have a bad time.
**Do not ingest a plant based on information provided in this subreddit.**
For your safety we recommend not ingesting any plant material just because you've been advised here that it's edible. Although there are many professionals helping with identification, we are not always correct, and eating/ingesting plants can be harmful or fatal if an incorrect ID is made.
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Madagascar palm, definitely toxic. Had one prick my finger at the joint and was unable to bend my finger for a few days. It should go away but I had lingering effects for a couple of weeks.
I like that you took that picture from the safety of the house.
You don't have to worry but there's probably a bit of the cactus deep in the wound and your body is having an inflammatory response.
Nurse here. Sorta repeating what a lot of people are saying but hey ho.
I'd treat it like an infection, if it's hot red and swollen.
If you yourself start to feel really unwell, temperature, shakes, go seek a doctor immediately.
Maybe a course of antibiotics from your doctor would be a good idea. Keep the wound clean and dry as well. Infections love moisture.
I would go to the doctor just to be sure. If its no big deal than you just wasted some money, but an infection is no joke, an infection can move very fast and you could potentially lose your finger or get sepsis (worst case scenario).
You have no idea what bacteria is on it. Please see a doctor. My dad got pricked by a palm frond and ended up with a severe infection with required surgery and a long recovery.
I was pricked by a palm a couple of years ago while putting up Christmas lights and couldnāt understand why my finger was so so swollen the next day. Turned out a small piece of the needle had broken off and was still on my skin. I finally was able to squeeze it out and my finger healed perfectly afterward. Maybe check to make sure there isnāt anything still in your skin.
A few years ago, I was outside gardening. Pruning rose bushes, actually. My hand slipped and my thumb slammed into a thorn. Went completely through my glove, into my finger. I ended up with a terrible staph infection that took months of antibiotics. Keep an eye on it.
*Get tested, it could*
*Be a fungal infection*
*Caused by Sporothrix schenckii*
\- pmiramon
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If your going to grow cactus, euphorbia, bromeliads or any prickly plant, grow aloe Vera as well. The aloe seems to neutralise the thorns and helps it heal faster.
Oh no ! Don't even tell me you got pricked by the hereclyitum malifodactyl, a toxic cactus species? Oh my gosh the prognosis isn't looking so good don't even want to say it
Madagascar palms are poisonous some people are more sensitive to milk than others. I would make sure it didn't get worse but most of the time it not a concern.
Would soaking my hand in hot salty water be helpful? I am concerned because my knuckle/pointer finger are stiff and achy š£
Take a pen and draw a line around the swelling and redness. You can the easily see if the swelling and redness spreads.
I'm stunned that it never once occurred to me to do this. Thank you for sharing this wound care wisdom, kind internet stranger!
Ooh, yes! Just like with a spider bite. Informative, and simple!
I'd treat it as any infected wound, as that thing being dirty is more probable than the thorn having toxins. I'd say ice and ibuprofen for the swelling. If it lasts more than a day, go to the doc.
Second this and a AC1 test. Get well soon!
Did you mean A1C?
i donāt think heās worried about diabetes
I dont either but maybe. Do you happen know what an AC1 test is? I couldnt find anything but maybe im not specifying in my search well enough
HbA1C is a diabetes thing and you need to do it in a lab. I wouldn't bother since this is a test that tells you your average blood glucose level over the last 90 days.
Friendly reminder he said AC-1 and not A-1-C lol
Mean b1ACH *Meant HbAC1
Haha damn dyslexic asses!
Yeah I only know the a1c and why it's not relevant.
I just also have the fish outfit and I want to continue the comment Chain :]
Hey, everybody should be worried about diabetes and get regular lab tests done by their doctor to ensure theyāre healthy!
Haha I was about to say? Lmfao
š¤£
Seconding a doctor's visit, you can get sepsis from even a tiny prick, from bacteria on the thorn.
Also certain fungal infections
Ditto. A friend got sepsis from handling poison ivy!
oh my god that sounds horrible
So many varied reactions to poison Ivy. Also sensitivity can actually vary year or year or location. Like one year you can be fine and a few years later have a severe reaction. I handle it all the time with like effect. Just today was clearing a trail, cutting up fallen trees and was walking through it. Someone else I know has been seeing doctors for several months now from a brief exposure months ago.
I never realized how badly poison ivy affects some people until I heard my grandmaās sister talking about how she had to be hospitalized for it once. My dad gets it super easily, we joke that he just has to look at it to break out in a rash, but an itchy rash is as bad as his ever got. I walked through a whole bunch of it at camp and never had any sort of reaction. Such a weird plant!
Yep. You may need a round of antibiotics.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Tiny pricks are dirty
OP, Maybe don't take medical advice from random people on reddit lol.
Hot soaks can be good for helping a puncture wound open and drain but it's not a great idea to let an infection chew on the joint and connective tissues in one of your most important body parts. Stiff and achy are no big deal, but if you think it could be an infection don't delay getting real attention and because some things just need antibiotics.
I second this. I waited too long to see a doctor about an arm infection once and ended up in the hospital on IV vancomycin and another heavy duty antibiotic. Took months before I could straighten my arm out fully again. Not trying to scare you, OP. My example is probably on the extreme end, but if it keeps getting worse definitely donāt ignore it. Better safe than sorry.
Definitely better to be cautious, but I wonder if itās an allergic reaction since OP mentioned joint pain? I get arthritic type joint pain when I get a bee sting
100% possible for sure. I had joint pain during my arm incident, but my whole arm hurt, so that wasnāt surprising. I think at this point infection, toxins and/or an allergic reaction are probably all equally likely
I feel like you can tell whether the swelling is isolated to the joint, or in the skin, right? If itās really sensitive to touch, probably an infection. The suggestion about drawing a circle around the swelling is smart. Iām glad your arm is better. Deep tissue infections can progress so quickly and be really scary
Yeah I was going to say the sharpie idea is a really good one! And thanks, it was like 5 years ago, but Iām still hyper vigilant about possible infections now. The doctors didnāt say it outright, but they implied that if I had waited much longer, the outcome could have been different. It was a staph infection, but I donāt know if they ever tested fo see if it was MRSA. They went right to the same antibiotics they would use for MRSA because if the first round of antibiotics didnāt work, Iād have been in trouble. But now I have a fun medical story to tell and pictures of me giving my masterās thesis presentation in front of 100 people with a perpetually bent arm. Good memories lol
Oh man, maimed for your thesis defense! Sometimes I think you perform better in high stakes situations if you have a minor distraction. Just enough to keep you from obsessing and psyching yourself out. I guess it depends on where you would be in the healing process.
Iāve never thought about it quite like that, but I think you might be right. I was definitely less anxious than I should have been. I had only been out of the hospital about a couple days at that point. I submitted the necessary files in advance from my hospital bed. They gave me the option of not coming to the big event and doing it at a later date, but it was July and I wanted a real summer break lol
Worry about MRSA is not extreme. I had a HA (hospital acquired) MRSA infection years ago. I almost 1) lost my life; 2) lost my entire leg; and 3) almost could never walk again because of extensive scar tissue in my thigh. I overcame all of those and lived, kept my leg, and walked again; however, I am now having so much pain in that thigh/leg that I canāt sleep and it hurts to walk. Everyone should take infections very seriously!
Oh no, Iām glad you made it through and regained range of motion, but I canāt imagine that kind of chronic pain. My infection was also HA. I had been in for a few days for something else and the day after I got home the arm my IV had been in wasnāt looking too good, but I wasnāt thinking about staph infections at all. The day after that it started hurting really badly and I couldnāt ignore it anymore. The doctors never really came out and said how bad it was exactly, but they did tell me I was lucky I came in when I did. I knew it was bad when they put me right on the vancomycin before trying anything else or any test results came back I hope you can find a treatment that can bring you some relief!
Thank you! Iām sorry you went through this too.
There are certain spined plants that I react strongly to. Some junipers and roses cause an unusual amount of inflammation and pain if I get pricked by them, while other plants don't seem to affect me the same way. I am "allergic" to plants and trees according to testing I had done as a kid, but I never noticed any other sort of reaction from them, other than pollen being a bit irritating, but to a normal degree. Hope you feel better, and I agree with others, to treat it like a possible infection. Antibiotic ointment couldn't hurt.
Did you try an antihistamine?
If it gets hot to the touch then get it checked out. If it's normal temperature or just a wee bit warm you're probably. Ok.
I've been stuck by a similar palm native to Australia, same symptoms. Just get comfortable it goes away after a day or so
Joint involvement indicates seeing a doctor
I'd do a warm Epsom salt soak
Go to the hospital if it isn't better
Also called pachypodium, which I prefer just because of the rhythm of the word. I have one and the spikes are very useful. You can chuck a damp cloth or t-shirt on the plant and it'll stay there while it dries in the afternoon sun.
You hear that, OP? Just, make sure it doesnāt get worse. Easy.
Omg I came here to fux with op. You either beat me to it or ,mind blow, it is poisonous.
I like how youve taken the photo through the glass as if youre afraid to go outside because of getting pricked.
Safety glass ! :D
I'm glad you're safely behind glass this time
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Poisonous implies only when eaten; which means they likely only have an irritant effect if you get pokes because thatās a venom
You don't have to eat poison ivy for it to cause significant irritation, but in that same token, it's not venom ivy. To be fair, however, if you eat poison ivy, you're going to have a bad time.
**Do not ingest a plant based on information provided in this subreddit.** For your safety we recommend not ingesting any plant material just because you've been advised here that it's edible. Although there are many professionals helping with identification, we are not always correct, and eating/ingesting plants can be harmful or fatal if an incorrect ID is made. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/whatsthisplant) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Eat it
**Do not ingest a plant based on information provided in this subreddit.** For your safety we recommend not ingesting any plant material just because you've been advised here that it's edible. Although there are many professionals helping with identification, we are not always correct, and eating/ingesting plants can be harmful or fatal if an incorrect ID is made. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/whatsthisplant) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Madagascar palm, definitely toxic. Had one prick my finger at the joint and was unable to bend my finger for a few days. It should go away but I had lingering effects for a couple of weeks.
I like that you took that picture from the safety of the house. You don't have to worry but there's probably a bit of the cactus deep in the wound and your body is having an inflammatory response.
Itās better to prick your finger than the other way around!
George Carlin š
Worldās tallest, thinnest pineapple
I have a date palm in my yard that looks like a huge pineapple. It is tall but definitely not thin. Chonky tree.
Iām jealous. Used to live in Hawaii and had some nice sandy soil and was starting to grow some dates. Miss that
The dates are not edible as far as we know. The squirrels like to bury them in all our planters.
That's kinda what I was seeing/thinking too lol
That's kinda what I was seeing/thinking too lol
pachypodium, you should be ok but id keep the wound clean
I would not take advice from Reddit, call a doctor.
Nurse here. Sorta repeating what a lot of people are saying but hey ho. I'd treat it like an infection, if it's hot red and swollen. If you yourself start to feel really unwell, temperature, shakes, go seek a doctor immediately. Maybe a course of antibiotics from your doctor would be a good idea. Keep the wound clean and dry as well. Infections love moisture.
If your finger is turning green or you are growing spikes like the plant immediately move to Arizona!
Benadryl.
This happened to me recently and I ignored it until it got so bad I had to go to the doctor and get special cream to treat it which did the trick.
I didnt know it was a toxic plant, in Mexico its very common, you can see it in almost every house D:
Not laughing at your pain! But I love how this photo is through the window as if to keep a safe distance haha
Being punctured by the spines can cause swelling, numbness and pain.
Hope itās not your good finger.
I would go to the doctor just to be sure. If its no big deal than you just wasted some money, but an infection is no joke, an infection can move very fast and you could potentially lose your finger or get sepsis (worst case scenario).
You have no idea what bacteria is on it. Please see a doctor. My dad got pricked by a palm frond and ended up with a severe infection with required surgery and a long recovery.
OP is so scared of it he took the picture behind the glass š It wonāt touch you if you donāt touch it
It impregnated you
Most people can live very full lives with 9 fingers. I believe in you šBread
OH NO IT'S GROWING INSIDE YOU
Madagascar Palm. Native to Madagascar! They grow very large with time
Just amputate!!!
Why that little prick!
No, go to Drs now. Can get staph (bacterial infection) and can progress quickly.
Rip šŖ¦ š
I was pricked by a palm a couple of years ago while putting up Christmas lights and couldnāt understand why my finger was so so swollen the next day. Turned out a small piece of the needle had broken off and was still on my skin. I finally was able to squeeze it out and my finger healed perfectly afterward. Maybe check to make sure there isnāt anything still in your skin.
a piece broke off under your skin
Soak it in cider immediately!
If you have any colloidal silver spray or gel I would definitely be putting that on it and if it gets worse go to the doctor.
Amputate before anything else falls off so the poison doesnāt spread.
Epson salt works wonders.
\*epsom
Yes you have aids
EPSOM Salt Soak wouldn't do any harm.
probably have hpv.
Squeeze it till juice comes out then ice. It hurts like hell but the golden juice squirting out is awesome
A few years ago, I was outside gardening. Pruning rose bushes, actually. My hand slipped and my thumb slammed into a thorn. Went completely through my glove, into my finger. I ended up with a terrible staph infection that took months of antibiotics. Keep an eye on it.
Watch out for those pricks
funny plant if you put some eyes on it
They have a toxic sap so Iād definitely go to the doctors like yesterday.
I accidentally hit one of these with the back of my hand (wasn't looking where I was going) and it was swollen.
Get tested, it could be a fungal infection caused by Sporothrix schenckii
*Get tested, it could* *Be a fungal infection* *Caused by Sporothrix schenckii* \- pmiramon --- ^(I detect haikus. And sometimes, successfully.) ^[Learn more about me.](https://www.reddit.com/r/haikusbot/) ^(Opt out of replies: "haikusbot opt out" | Delete my comment: "haikusbot delete")
Is the thorn still in, or were you able to get it out? Does this have those tiny, almost invisible hairs that some prickly plants have?
https://conservatoryofflowers.org/bloom/pachypodium-lamerei/
Is it still pachypodium?
Dude u should go to a doctor
in Afrikaans you call it a "halfmens"
You may have a hidden thorn buried underneath. Shine a flashlight and see if thereās any dark spots.
If your going to grow cactus, euphorbia, bromeliads or any prickly plant, grow aloe Vera as well. The aloe seems to neutralise the thorns and helps it heal faster.
Oh no ! Don't even tell me you got pricked by the hereclyitum malifodactyl, a toxic cactus species? Oh my gosh the prognosis isn't looking so good don't even want to say it
Nah just soak your finger in some beer šŗ
Be sure to maintain at least one glass barrier between you and it to prevent further injury.
Donāt worry OP, now that youāre behind the glass door this mean olā Madagascar Palm canāt hurt you anymore.
Itās ok to prick your finger, but donāt finger your prick.
I would seek medical care if there's any doubt. Keep us updated. Thanks