Expert: Greg Simpson - 2/7/2007

Question
My boyfriend has several cactuses. There is one that I have no name for it is very tall with large needles, anyway my hand hit it and the needles poked me, drew blood and now my hand is swollen and painfull.Could it be poisonous? How do I find out what type of plant it is? I've been on allot of sites and can't find out what it is.. Thankyou

Answer
Dear Jennifer,

I am not a doctor, however I don't know of any poisonous cactus. That said, you have a puncture wound which will swell up. I also recommend seeing a doctor as it is possible to contract Tetanus from a puncture wound. If you have recently had a Tetanus shot, then you should be fine. Otherwise I recommend you at least check into it.

If you want to, you can send me a picture and I will identify your plant. Send a picture to gregandkat@msn.com

Thanks.

Greg