Korean J Dermatol.  2019 Sep;57(8):484-487.

Spontaneous Healing of Multiple Penetration Wounds Induced by Cactus Spines

• Park SW
• Jung ES
• Nam KH
• Park J
• Yun SK

Abstract

Cactus spines can easily puncture the skin with only minor pressure. Removal of the offending cactus spine is the treatment of choice; however, it is very difficult, even with tweezers. A 17-year-old Korean girl presented for evaluation of multiple purple-colored macules and papules on the left cheek and left thumb. Two months earlier, she had pricked her finger and face on cactus spines while volunteering in Haiti. An ultrasound identified wedge-shaped echogenic materials suspected as cactus spines. We recommended surgical removal of the spines, but she vehemently refused. We then advised her to take amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and undergo regular follow-up. During the follow-up period, the spines dislodged spontaneously for easy removal and the patient removed them with tweezers. The lesions actually improved over the next several months. Here, we report this rare and interesting case for educational purposes because such a case has never been previously reported in Korea.

Keyword

Cactus; Injury; Spine

MeSH Terms

Adolescent
Cactaceae*
Cheek
Female
Fingers
Follow-Up Studies
Haiti
Humans
Korea
Punctures
Skin
Spine*
Thumb
Ultrasonography
Wounds and Injuries*