How to remove a thorn from your skin. How to treat a thorn puncture wound. What to do if you get a splinter or other prick injury. Tips for dealing with thorn and prick wounds.

The Importance of Proper Thorn Wound Treatment

Thorn puncture wounds, splinters, and other prick injuries may seem minor, but they can quickly become infected if not properly treated. Leaving a thorn or splinter embedded in the skin can lead to pain, swelling, redness, and the risk of serious bacterial infection. Prompt and careful removal of the offending object, along with proper wound care, is essential for preventing complications and promoting healing.

Identifying and Assessing the Thorn or Splinter

The first step in treating a thorn puncture wound is to carefully examine the affected area and determine the nature of the foreign object. Look closely to see if you can identify the type of thorn or splinter that has embedded in the skin. This can provide clues about the best removal method and the potential for complications.

Visible vs. Embedded Objects

If the thorn or splinter is still visible on the skin’s surface, the removal process may be fairly straightforward. However, if the object has become fully embedded beneath the skin, the removal will require more care and precision to avoid pushing the object deeper or causing further tissue damage.

Size and Depth of Penetration

Consider the size of the thorn or splinter and how deeply it has penetrated the skin. Larger or deeper objects may be more difficult to remove and pose a greater risk of complications. Deeply embedded objects may require medical intervention to ensure complete and safe removal.

Preparing the Wound for Thorn or Splinter Removal

Before attempting to remove a thorn or splinter, it’s important to properly prepare the wound area to minimize the risk of infection and ensure a successful removal.

Cleansing the Wound

Start by thoroughly cleansing the affected area with soap and warm water. This helps remove dirt, bacteria, and any other contaminants that may have been introduced during the initial injury. Avoid scrubbing the wound, as this can further irritate the skin.

Disinfecting the Area

Once the area is cleaned, apply a disinfectant such as rubbing alcohol or an antibiotic ointment. This helps kill any bacteria present and reduces the risk of infection.

Removing the Thorn or Splinter

With the wound properly prepared, you can now proceed with the removal of the thorn or splinter. Be gentle and take your time to ensure the object is removed in its entirety.

Visible Objects

If the thorn or splinter is still visible on the skin’s surface, use a pair of clean tweezers to gently grasp the end of the object and pull it straight out. Avoid twisting or yanking, as this can break the object and leave fragments behind.

Embedded Objects

For objects that have become fully embedded beneath the skin, you may need to apply a warm compress to the area for a few minutes to help bring the object closer to the surface. Once the area is softened, use a sterilized needle or tweezers to carefully tease the object out, taking care not to push it deeper into the skin.

Caring for the Wound After Removal

After successfully removing the thorn or splinter, it’s important to continue caring for the wound to prevent infection and promote healing.

Cleaning and Disinfecting

Thoroughly clean the wound again with soap and warm water, then apply an antibiotic ointment and cover with a sterile bandage. Monitor the area for any signs of infection, such as increased pain, swelling, redness, or drainage.

Monitoring for Complications

If the wound becomes increasingly painful, swollen, or develops signs of infection, seek medical attention immediately. In some cases, a thorn or splinter may have broken off beneath the skin, requiring professional removal to prevent further complications.

Preventing Future Thorn Puncture Wounds

While thorn puncture wounds can’t always be avoided, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of these types of injuries, especially when engaging in outdoor activities.

Protective Clothing

Wear long pants, thick socks, and sturdy boots or shoes when hiking or working in areas with thorny vegetation. This can help shield your skin from potential prick injuries.

Situational Awareness

Be mindful of your surroundings and watch for potential hazards, such as low-hanging branches or thick underbrush, that could lead to thorn puncture wounds. Take care when reaching or stepping into areas with dense foliage.

By understanding the proper treatment for thorn puncture wounds and taking steps to prevent these types of injuries, you can reduce the risk of complications and ensure a speedy recovery.

Lookout Mountain to Fish Lake

Idaho Trails

Hike into the Bitterroots’ untamed backcountry, with its plentiful moose and berries, on this 11-mile out-and-back to an exquisite lakeside campsite.

September 20, 2013BACKPACKERMagazine

Share this

Join Backpacker

Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites.

Join for free

Already have an account?

Sign In

Join Backpacker

Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites.

Join for free

Already have an account?

Sign In

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members!
Download the app.

-Mapped by Galen Williams

Trail Facts

• Distance: 8.9

Waypoints

FSH001

Location: 47.0445709228516, -115.944801330566

From Lookout Mtn. trailhead, begin hiking WNW on Trail 52

FSH002

Location: 47.0456199645996, -115.952201843262

R @ 3-way, hiking through open meadow

FSH003

Location: 47.0517997741699, -115.952796936035

L @ Y, stay on Trail 52; weathered Widow Mtn. emerges to R

FSH004

Location: 47.0561103820801, -115.95539855957

Continue hiking up gradual incline; sporadic breaks in pine forest provides views W of evergreen-cloaked hills

FSH005

Location: 47.0644416809082, -115.95580291748

Traverse W hill slope; clearing brings views of Grandmother Mtn.

FSH006

Location: 47.0667610168457, -115.956703186035

Cross low-flow, muddy creek; not a recommended water source

FSH007

Location: 47.070011138916, -115.959701538086

Head 100 ft. NE off trail, to view placid waters of Lost Lake below; trail bears W, crossing treeline and skirting E side of lake basin

FSH008

Location: 47.0748596191406, -115.96410369873

Break for blueberries before tackling Lookout Mtn. ?s rocky summit

FSH009

Location: 47.0830383300781, -115.966300964355

Huckleberries, raspberries, and views of the Clearwater Mtns. await on Lookout Mtn. (6,789 ft.), where remnants of an old tower deteriorate among white granite

FSH010

Location: 47.0859603881836, -115.969902038574

E view showcases series of shallow ponds; find thirsty moose here

FSH011

Location: 47.0908584594727, -115.971801757812

Cautiously descend rocky granite slope, following gentle, juniper-lined ridge as Fish Lake peeks out to NE

FSH012

Location: 47.1007308959961, -115.970802307129

Turn R onto sidetrail, following stream to Fish Lake. Forest gives way to swampy clearing with good bird-watching

FSH013

Location: 47.1002388000488, -115.963203430176

Fish Lake. Surrounded by thick grass, this oasis attracts moose, elk, and an occasional bear. Fire ring on S shore; no permit needed. Retrace steps to trailhead

Mount Rainier National Park: Spray Park

Mount Rainier rising above the meadows and tarns in Spray Park – MRNP

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members!
Download the app.

Rainier is known for its spectacular wildflower displays, and this trail puts on one of the best shows in the park. The 8.2-mile hike begins at Mowich Lake, passes a half-mile side trip to Spray Falls, and climbs to broad meadows carpeted with pink heather, lilies, and Indian paintbrush. Turn around at mile four on a rocky, 6,400-foot spine with big-screen views of Mount Rainier seven miles to the southeast.
INFO For information on permits, current trail and camp conditions, and wilderness guidelines, go to nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/wilderness-camping-and-hiking.htm.

PERMIT A wilderness permit is required for all overnight camping in the backcountry. Reservations requests accepted by fax or mail, starting on March 15th of each year ($20/reservation). Download form at nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/wilderness-reservation-information.htm.

CONTACT Mt. Rainier National Park, (360) 569-2211; nps.gov/mora

-Mapped by Alan Bauer, Alan Bauer Photography

Trail Facts

• Distance: 13. 5

Waypoints

SPR001

Location: 46.93342, -121.865536

Leave the trailhead parking area, cross the outlet of Mowich Lake by the bathrooms, and head straight to find the Wonderland Trail.

SPR002

Location: 46.930836, -121.862648

Go left at the junction to leave the Wonderland Trail and begin the hike toward Spray Falls and Spray Park. Huge old growth forest and a few beautiful mossy creeks make this a gentle easy stroll ahead.

SPR003

Location: 46.924463, -121.858895

Cross a small bridge over Lee Creek. Walk through moss-covered landscapes, then pass an open avy slope filled with columbine and other lovely wildflowers.

SPR004

Location: 46.915853, -121.84735

Pass Eagle Camp here on your right. Stay straight.

SPR005

Location: 46.916153, -121.845076

Pass a junction on the right that leads to Spray Falls, a stunning view of likely the biggest waterfall in the park makes this a very worthwhile half-mile trip. Stay straight to continue on to Spray Park, and be ready to start a very steep climb up switchbacks in less than a mile.

SPR006

Location: 46.917471, -121.844531

The first view of Rainier appears as you cross the first meadow on a wooden set of steps. Hike past magenta paintbrush and lupines.

SPR007

Location: 46.920471, -121.837728

The trail levels. Pass a small tarn, then hike through meadows with avalanche lilies. The route passes a faint bootpath that likely heads up to Knapsack Pass, which is the gap in the Hessong Mountain ridge to the north. Keep an eye out for bears wandering across these slopes and meadows.

SPR008

Location: 46.923239, -121.82942

Photo op: Stop in the first meadows of Spray Park, vibrantly colored with avalanche lilies, lupines, magenta paintbrush. Various tarns reflect Mount Rainier in their still waters.

SPR009

Location: 46.92289, -121.825198

Pass a few more tarns (and millions of wildflowers). Turn left to check out a small viewpoint with tremendous views to the east across Seattle Park.

SPR010

Location: 46.921587, -121.816663

Crest this highpoint, and turn left for a short climb (don’t begin the descent into Seattle Park). Other options: Turn right and follow boot paths for a climb toward Observation Rock.

SPR011

Location: 46.923483, -121.818132

This knob offers new views down on Seattle Park; scan the landscape for bears.

Mount Rainier

Location: 46.923306, -121.828932

Veterinary care for animal injuries in Moscow and the Region

AIST-VET veterinary clinic provides veterinary care for animals injured by dogs, cats, birds, rodents, reptiles, amphibians, fish.
A wound is a mechanical damage to the integument or organs with a violation of their anatomical integrity. In the wound, it is customary to distinguish between edges, walls, bottom and cavity. The gap between the edges of the wound is called the wound opening, and the space between the walls of the wound is called the wound channel. If, as a result of a wound, a part of the body is completely perforated, then such a wound is called a through wound. When there is perforation (violation of integrity) by a wounding object of the wall of the anatomical cavity (joint capsule, pleura, peritoneum), then such a wound is called penetrating.

Depending on the nature of the injuring object and the mechanism of action, several types of wounds are distinguished:

• stab – occurs when long pointed objects are introduced into the tissues. The nature of tissue damage depends on the shape of the injuring object. Stab objects with a sharp end easily push the tissues apart, blunt objects with rough surfaces tear the tissues, crushing and crushing them along the wound channel;
• incised – formed by cutting tissue with sharp objects, has smooth edges and walls, and is manifested by significant gaping and bleeding. The sharper the object, the less necrotic tissue is visible along the wound channel;
• chopped – similar to chopped, but it destroys not only superficial, but also deeply located tissues, large vessels, nerve trunks, bones, joints and other parts of the body. The gaping and pain are strongly expressed, the bleeding is weaker than in a cut wound;
• bruised – occurs as a result of the impact of a blunt object. At the site of impact, the skin breaks, severe contusion of muscles, tendons, nerves and other tissues or their crushing and crushing occurs, sometimes bones break, and small hemorrhages appear. Bleeding is absent or insignificant. A strong pain reaction quickly weakens, as the nerve endings temporarily lose their ability to conduct impulses (wound stupor). Muscles deprived of blood supply and innervation are a good breeding ground for the development of infection and purulent-putrefactive inflammation in adjacent tissues;
• torn – occurs when tissues are torn by pointed objects that act in an oblique direction (claws of various animals, barbed wire, etc.). On examination, a large number of torn muscles, fascia, blood vessels and other tissues are visible, which create a favorable environment for the development of a wound infection;
• crushed – occurs under the influence of significant force and pressure of a blunt object. In such damage, tissues and organs are crushed, saturated with blood, fragments of fascia and tendons hang from the wound;
• bitten – applied by animal teeth. Such a wound is manifested by symptoms of crushing, bruising and tissue rupture. Of particular danger is the bite of wild animals, so infection with the rabies virus is possible;
• gunshot – most often found in hunting, service dogs, animals living in free range. A gunshot wound is accompanied by tissue damage not only in the zone of direct contact with the injuring object (bullet, etc.), but also beyond it. The destruction of tissues depends on the mass of the injuring object, the speed of its flight upon impact, and the speed of absorption of the force of this object in the tissues;
• poisoned – occurs as a result of stings of poisonous snakes and insects, stings by wasps, bees, or when various toxic substances and pesticides get into the wound;
• combined – characterized by elements of tissue dissection in combination with bruising or crushing, stab injuries with tissue contusion or rupture, etc. Therefore, a stab-bruised wound, a stab-cut wound, a bruised-lacerated wound are distinguished.

All wounds at the time of injury or immediately after are contaminated with a variety of microorganisms that enter with dust, foreign bodies, hair, etc. In the case when a purulent or putrefactive inflammation of the tissues develops in the wound, they speak of an infected wound.

Clinical symptoms of wounds

Wounds are characterized by such symptoms as:

• pain . Pain occurs at the time of injury and gradually decreases over time. Strengthening of local inflammatory processes in the wound leads to increased pain. The pain reaction is especially pronounced when tissues that are rich in nerve endings are damaged. Injury to parenchymal organs does not cause severe pain. The intensity and duration of the pain reaction depends on the location of the wound, the nature of the damage, and individual reactivity. Dogs, like cats, are very sensitive to pain and can die from pain shock. Adult animals, unlike young ones, react more strongly to pain. Pain in animals can be determined during a clinical examination, when the pain reaction is accompanied by an acceleration of heart rate, her strong anxiety and dilated pupils;
• gaping . The gaping of the wound is accompanied by a divergence of its edges and walls. The gaping is expressed when receiving incised, chopped and lacerated wounds. With stab wounds, gaping is absent. Bleeding that occurs with injuries directly depends on the damaged blood vessels and the type of wound itself;
• bleeding . Bleeding can be external, internal, arterial, venous, capillary, parenchymal and mixed (arterio-venous). According to the time of origin, bleeding is primary and secondary, according to the frequency of single and repeated.

What tests are done in animals when they receive a wound

When an injured animal is admitted to the clinic, veterinarians use general, local and special tests.
In a general study, the duration of the injury, the type of the injuring object, how the first aid was provided, etc. is established.
In animals, body temperature, pulse, respiration are measured, the state of visible mucous membranes is carefully examined, and the heart is auscultated.
If there is a wound in the abdominal wall and pelvis, then urine and feces are examined for blood.
For injuries in the chest area, percussion and auscultation of the lungs are performed.
If the animal arrived with a bandage applied, the doctor, after removing it, determines the smell and nature of the purulent discharge, determines the presence of skin lesions, inflammation, thrombophlebitis, lymphangitis, and inflammation of the regional lymph nodes.
A change in local temperature, the sensitivity of the skin itself, the presence of fibrinous or gas fluctuations are established.
On examination, the nature of epithelialization and the size of the epithelial rim are determined. This is followed by an internal examination of the wound.
If necessary, conduct a contrast radiography. After an internal examination of the wound, the wound exudate is examined by physicochemical and microbiological methods. To clarify the type of wound infection, bacteriological studies are carried out.
X-rays are taken to exclude internal bleeding, as well as fractures resulting from injury.
If there is a suspicion of damage to the internal organs, then an ultrasound is prescribed.

Treatment and wound healing

Wound treatment should be complex and depends on the time of injury, the nature of tissue damage, the type of infection, the nature of wound complications.
The complex treatment includes mechanical, physical, chemical and biological antiseptics, pathogenetic therapy.
Mechanical antiseptic includes the removal of crushed and contaminated tissues, foreign bodies, and various microorganisms from the wound. Mechanical antiseptic includes a wound toilet. Toilet wounds are done in first aid and in the process of treatment. The toilet begins with treatment near the wound surface, while the wound is covered with a gauze pad. Hair is cut or shaved around the wound, the skin is treated with a disinfectant solution, alcohol, rivanol or iodine. Coarse contamination is removed from the surface of the wound with tweezers, treated with a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide or a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
Surgical treatment of a wound consists in eliminating the source of infection and intoxication, promotes rapid regeneration of damaged tissues and healing of the resulting defect, and prevents wound complications. Basically, the following types of surgical treatment are distinguished:

• primary early when carried out on the first day after injury;
• primary late , held in the coming days;
• secondary processing , applies in cases where primary processing was insufficient or not applied.

According to the nature of the surgical intervention, there are: complete excision of the wound (excision of the wound), partial excision, dissection of the wound. Surgical treatment is used in the treatment of fresh contaminated and infected wounds as an urgent and necessary measure.

Wound healing can be by primary or secondary intention.
Healing by primary intention is possible only with an anatomically correct connection of the edges and walls of the wounds, where there should not be any dead tissue after the bleeding has stopped. Clean operating and fresh accidental wounds heal by primary intention, after their appropriate treatment. Healing begins already in the first hours after the bleeding stops and the edges of the wound come together. Subsequently, capillaries and nerves grow in the wound channel. After 6-8 days, connective tissue will form in the wound around the vessels and the final fusion of the edges and walls will occur. It has been established that prolonged painful irritations sharply worsen the regenerative process in the wound.

Healing by secondary intention occurs when the wound gapes, the presence of dead and foreign bodies in the wound, the development of purulent inflammation, wound infection, repeated bleeding and contamination. Secondary intention healing takes 1 to 2 months. Healing by secondary intention ends with scar formation.

Emergency veterinary care for wounded animals

Emergency care for penetrating wounds of the chest should be provided urgently, as a result of a pneumothorax that has developed can lead to death. The wearer should stop air from entering the chest cavity as soon as possible. To do this, we treat the skin and wool at a distance of 5 cm from the wound with tincture of iodine, lubricate the wound with petroleum jelly around the wound, apply a plastic bag, film to the wound, apply cotton wool on top and bandage tightly. In the future, as soon as possible we deliver to the veterinary clinic.

Emergency care for abdominal wounds . With large abdominal wounds, bowel prolapse often occurs. And if the intestines are not damaged, then the pet can be saved. Help consists in washing the intestines that have fallen out with a 0.1% solution of rivanol, furacilin. If there is no such solution, then boiled water can be used. Then, with a clean cloth (towel, gauze, sheet), previously moistened with a solution of furacilin, rivanol, it is necessary to carefully set the intestine through the wound hole into the abdominal cavity. Next, a bandage is applied to the wound and the pet is delivered to the veterinary clinic as soon as possible.

Emergency care must be qualified, so it is best to call a veterinarian at home, who will perform the necessary procedures and tell you what to do next.

What is tetanus? — Kostyukovichi Central District Hospital

Tetanus is an acute infectious disease caused by Clostridium tetani spores. These spores are found throughout the environment, especially in soil, ash, animal and human intestines/faeces, and on the surface of skin and rusty tools such as nails, needles, barbed wire, and others. Due to the high resistance of spores to high temperatures and most antiseptics, spores can persist in the soil for years and decades.
How does infection occur?
Human infection occurs when spores of the pathogen penetrate through damaged skin and mucous membranes into the wound. In damaged tissues of the body in oxygen-free conditions, tetanus spores turn into actively growing and multiplying bacteria that produce poison (toxin). Tetanus toxin is one of the most powerful biological poisons that affects the cells of the nervous system. The toxin is brought into the muscles by the blood flow, penetrates into the central nervous system, causing its damage, which causes the development of the disease.
Under what conditions can one get sick?
When a tetanus bacillus is placed in a wound in anoxic conditions, for example:
▶ puncture wounds from sharp contaminated objects: needles, nails, rebar, long plant thorns, wire, garden tools, scissors, knife;
▶ for gunshot wounds;
▶ for extensive lacerations with “blind” pockets;
▶ for wounds with a large amount of necrotic tissues that have been infected (contaminated by earth): burns, bedsores, frostbite, etc.
▶ bite wounds from animals: dogs, cats, rodents, exotic arthropods, lizards, snakes, sea urchins, fish, etc.;
Tetanus can develop when the wound has already healed!n>
Thus, wounds with deep trauma to the tissues are dangerous, into which earth, foreign bodies, etc. are introduced. However, sometimes a small splinter is enough to cause a disease.
Symptoms.p>
The incubation period for tetanus lasts from 3 to 21 days after infection. In most cases, the disease develops within 14 days.
If tetanus develops, urgent medical attention and hospitalization is required.
The disease begins with pulling pains in the area of ​​the wound, twitching of the adjacent muscles. At the same time, spasms of the muscles of the face appear. The patient cannot open his mouth, chew, a characteristic expression called “sardonic smile” appears on his face, swallowing is difficult. Then the muscles of the neck, back, abdomen, arms and legs tighten. At the slightest external stimuli (light, knock, touch), convulsions occur, as a result of which the body acquires a “columnar state” with arching of the spine in an arc (opisthotonus). As a result of tonic tension of the intercostal muscles, diaphragm and abdominal muscles, respiratory distress occurs: it becomes superficial, frequent. With tetanus, a lethal outcome of the infection is not ruled out.
People who recover from tetanus have no natural immunity and may be re-infected. Therefore, they need immunization.
Prophylaxis>
There are three components to tetanus prevention: injury prevention, wound care, and immunization.
Tetanus can be prevented by immunization with vaccines containing tetanus toxoid.
Immunization against tetanus is carried out in a planned manner in accordance with the National calendar of preventive vaccinations of the Republic of Belarus: children aged 2,3,4 and 18 months, 6 and 16 years; and adults at age 26 and every 10 years thereafter until age 66.
Also, vaccinations against tetanus are carried out according to epidemic indications in accordance with the list of preventive vaccinations for the subject contingents of persons.
Seek medical attention in the event of injury that breaks the integrity of the skin, frostbite or burns!
Follow the rules:
1. Be careful when working with the ground. Protect unhealed wounds. Wear gloves.
2. Explain to the children the dangers of injuries and cuts. Tell them that you can’t hide your broken knees from your parents, and even more so punctures, so that adults have the opportunity to process them in a timely manner.
3. It is necessary to have hydrogen peroxide and bandages in the home and summer first-aid kit.
4. In case of any injury with damage to the skin or mucous membranes, do not rush to stop the bleeding (unless it is arterial bleeding with a pulsating stream). In the case of a normal injury, let the wound bleed for a few seconds. Blood is a natural antiseptic, it washes out dirt and bacterial spores from the wound.
5. Wash the wound with soap and hydrogen peroxide several times.
6. Treat the wound with a solution of iodine or brilliant green, cover with a sterile gauze cloth, bandage with several bandages.