SANDSPURS

[Jojo]

MY 12 YEAR OLD SON FELL INTO A PATCH OF SANDSPURS HE WAS COVERED WITH THEM ON HIS LEG AND ARM. WE SAT THERE FOR HOURS PULLING AND PLUCKING THE THORNS. WE PULLED ALL THAT WERE RAISED AND VISIBLE BUT I'AM SURE THAT THERE ARE STILL SOME UNDER THE SKIN. IT LOOKS LIKE HE HAS A TERRIBLE RASH AND IT ITCHES. IS THERE ANYTHING THAT I CAN DO TO DRAW THE REST OF THE THORNS OUT AND EASE THE ITCHING AND PAIN. THANK YOU !!!

[Jojo]

I would thank you  for quick reply and your time.
I have him soaking in Aveeno oatmeal bath to hopefully draw out the rest of the thorns and Benadryl for the icthing. Thank you again !!

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Jojo:

I aplogize, but I don't know what sandspurs are.  I assume they're some form of plant which irritates the skin from its thorns.  The rash should go away by itself, once the thorns are removed, but as to how to remove them, or whether they even need to be removed or will come out by themselves, you would be better off asking nurses or doctors who practice in your area, where these plants live.  In general, though, foreign bodies like these work their way to the surface on their own, and don't need surgical removal.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff