Can Cactus Spines Kill You?

Cactus spines do not contain any poison that can kill you upon perforating your skin. However, the thorns are painful and can cause infections that might turn septic, if you don't take care of the problem the right way. It's also possible for spines to leave pustules that could stay on your skin for months.

Can you die from cactus needles?

Can cactus spines be dangerous? You're extremely unlikely to die from getting speared by cactus spines, but they can do some damage. Puente-Martinez says this is especially true if you stumble and fall on top of them, as very occasionally happens when people attend receptions at the Garden and get tipsy.

What happens if a cactus pricks you?

Besides being painfully irritating, wood splinters, rose thorns, and other organic prickers left in your body can lead to bacterial or fungal infections. Although a clean sliver made of metal or glass might not cause you any problems, you'll want to remove a cactus spine as soon as possible.