Inflammation is a complex but normal biological reaction of the vascular tissues to any harmful stimuli, like pathogens, or damaged cells, or even irritants like thorns. It is the normal protective try by the organism to attempt to rid the body of the injurious stimuli and also to start the healing process that is essential for the tissue. Inflammation cannot be referred to as the synonym for an infection. In fact even in cases where the inflammation results from an infection it is not correct to use the two terms as synonyms. Infection is the result of an exogenous pathogen, whereas inflammation is the reaction of the organism to that pathogen. In the absence of any inflammation, all the wounds and the infections would not be able to heal properly. This would result in a progressive tissue destruction that would lead to a compromise of the survival and life of the organism in question.
The first step in taking care of a thorn in the hand is, if there is any bleeding it is vital to stop it immediately. Applying pressure with a clean bandage or cloth will help to stem the flow of blood. Keep the pressure on for about 15 to 20 minutes. Then you need to clean the wound very carefully with soap and water and very gently, using a sterilized instrument, remove the thorn. Make sure you remove any dirt, grass or other foreign particles that might have entered the wound. Cover the area with a clean bandage. Eating plenty of garlic is beneficial as it works as an anti inflammatory agent. Take high doses of Vitamin C as this is extremely beneficial in helping to fight against the infection. Cayenne, goldenseal, garlic, yucca or myrrh are excellent healing agents and help in the healing process if taken internally. Try applying a poultice made from Redmond clay to the affected area. This will soothe and help the inflammation to reduce. You can separately try soaking a cloth or piece of gauze in fenugreek tea or in comfrey and applying this to the area that is inflamed. This will help in reducing the swelling. Try applying garlic oil to the afflicted area twice a day. Garlic oil has properties that help to reduce inflammation and can thus aid in reducing the swelling. Then cover the area with gauze and always remember to keep the area clean. This is of vital importance in obtaining a quick recovery.
answered by G M