Safe & Effective Guide: Removing Thorns from Skin - Prevention & Treatment

It's easy to forget about thorns when you're working in your garden near rosebushes or bougainvillea. However, if your leg brushes into a thorny plant accidentally and a thorn buries itself in your leg, don't be alarmed; you can usually remove it quickly in a manner that reduces the risk of infection.

Instructions

• 1

  Clean the leg in which the thorn is lodged. Use a mild soap and warm water to remove any dirt or bacteria.

• 2

  Slowly remove the thorn with a pair of tweezers. If you can't see the thorn, it may be under the skin. Don't worry. Sterilize a needle by pouring rubbing alcohol over it, then pierce the skin with the needle. Follow this by lifting the tip of the thorn with the needle and removing it with the tweezers.

• 3

  Wash the area of your leg that contained the thorn using mild soap and warm water.

• 4

  Place a clean cotton towel under cold running water. Wring it out and apply the compress to the wounded area of your leg to help relieve any itching or pain from the thorn. Leave the compress on for 15 minutes.

• 5

  Apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment available at any drug store. Follow the directions on the package to apply the antibiotic ointment properly.

• 6

  Place a bandage over the wounded area of your leg to keep keep infection-causing dirt and bacteria away.