Spontaneous Healing of Multiple Penetration Wounds Induced by Cactus Spines
- Author:
Sang Woo PARK
1
;
Eui Sung JUNG
;
Kyung Hwa NAM
;
Jin PARK
;
Seok Kweon YUN
Author Information
1. Department of Dermatology, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Korea. dermayun@jbnu.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Cactus;
Injury;
Spine
- MeSH:
Adolescent;
Cactaceae;
Cheek;
Female;
Fingers;
Follow-Up Studies;
Haiti;
Humans;
Korea;
Punctures;
Skin;
Spine;
Thumb;
Ultrasonography;
Wounds and Injuries
- From:Korean Journal of Dermatology
2019;57(8):484-487
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
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.
