Though most are minor, diseases from rose thorns and other thorny plants can be serious. Everyone knows to be careful around plants with thorns or a painful poke is the likely result.
What is a surprise to many, though, is that those thorns often cause a minor infection and sometimes a serious, even deadly one. Words like sporothrix, sporotrichosis, and tetanus are not words we want to have to learn more about.
Plant thorn arthritis is not an infection but it is quite painful due to irritation at the puncture site and in a joint. Surgery with its risks may be required if tests reveal a thorn fragment is caught in the joint.
Naturally, people with weakened immune systems are at a greater risk for serious problems with plant thorn diseases. Roses are the most common source of thorn wounds, meaning proper protection when handling them is important.
Learn more about this topic from the CDC and MedNet. Do more research if you are dealing with swelling or redness from a thorn prick to find out whether you should call your doc. Join in on the poll below and help us put together a picture of how awareness of this problem stands.
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Question of
Have you or someone you know ever suffered an infection from a thorn prick?
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Yes
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No
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Question of
Do you know anyone who has suffered a serious infection from plant thorns?
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Yes
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No
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Question of
Were you aware of possible diseases from plant thorns before reading this post?
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Yes
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No
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Question of
Do you wear protective gloves when handling roses or other thorny plants?
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Yes
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No
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OK, sometimes I wear gloves when gathering up the cut off branches, but usually not.
I believe I’ll be using gloved hands and tools to even do the gathering from now on!
Didn’t know that. Guess it’s never too late to learn new stuff, especially if it’s something like this, things that you are so used to, that you think you know enough or everything about them. Thanks for sharing ?
Thanks to you for checking this post on thorn puncture infections out and for leaving your comment!
My pleasure ?. I liked your post and I’m sure I’ll see more interesting posts from you. Have a nice day!
Did not know this. I always wear gloves but never knew about this infection. Thanks for sharing!
So glad you stopped in to learn about this problem. Sounds like you are careful to avoid it but maybe you can share the info with someone else.
Yes and I am glad I learned this helpful information. Thank you!
I usually think I will not get pricked, but I know now to always wear gloves when handling thorns of any kind. Great information!
Yes, that is what we tell ourselves, isn’t it. Even today I was not as careful in the garden as I should have been! So appreciate your feedback here.
Excellent poll, thank you for sharing
BD: Thanks for coming by and leaving your kind comment!
Good to know, great info here.
KJ: Thanks for letting me know this was helpful to you!