Thorns may be associated with a variety of palm trees (date, oil, other), and these can elicit a localized inflammatory response.
An exposure may go unrecognized or be forgotten.
Reactions to a palm tree thorn may involve:
(1) localized inflammation with or without cellulitis/abscess
(2) synovitis
(3) osteitis or periostitis
(4) inflammatory pseudotumor
Removing the thorn is usually curative.
Ultrasound can be helpful in localizing the thorn if it cannot be seen on the skin surface.
Secondary infection may require antibiotic therapy.
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Specialty: Emergency Medicine, Critical Care
