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Hey everyone. My girlfriend had a to close encounter with an agave this past weekend. The outside of her hand got jabbed and 36 hours later the injury is getting worse. I've had a couple of encounters over the years but after a few hours I was able to hike out the toxin. Any suggestions besides going to a local witch doctor?

Is it possible that the Tip broke off and is still in the Hand? Otherwise, it sounds like an Infection. Either way, she should probably be seen by a Doctor if it's that bad. With a Puncture Wound, it could be one of a few things....

What Outdoor Lover said. It sounds like it got infected, so it can get much worse. I doubt if there's any "toxin" involved. Please take her to the doctor. If it becomes systemic it would be very dangerous.

i did that a couple years ago and ended having to get the broken off tip dug out

There are a lot of plants in good ole Arizona that love to leave puncture wounds and I found that sucking blood through the wound helps immensely by cleansing the wound. I always carried the Sawyer Extractor for this purpose and also for bee stings. Yes, yes I know that many of you will scream and holler that the snake bite experts say never to use one but for the above stated purpose they work very well. ;)

I had an infection from a cactus spine once, went to the doc for antibiotics.

I had a tip of an agave stay embedded in my leg for about a year, but it didn't swell up that much and didn't actually hurt that much either as the tip was hitting cartilage, not tissue. If the agave was fouled by sticking some animal previously she may have transferred some critter's infection to herself. I would treat with OTC topical antibiotics (neosporin or generic) but if it swells up real bad you may need something stronger.

I have a portion of an Agave spine that is stuck in my tibia, and has been for over a decade. Calcified by now I am guessing, and probably never coming out. Agaves do not have any spine toxins, so like everyone else has mentioned it mush be infected. If you can dig out the broken tip it will probably heal faster, but depending on the severity you might need to seek professional assistance...

Thanks everyone for your replies. The spine didn't break off in her and from the looks, her hand is infected. Looks like she'll be off to the doctor.