If it were me, and it still hurt so badly in an hour, I'd pop by the pharmacy and have the pharmacist take a look at it to either recommend an over the counter product or to go to the doctor. Benadryl was a wise move. Cold water might be more helpful to reduce inflammation. Keeping my fingers crossed for you.

I believe rose thorns can cause bad infections, but I wouldn't imagine the reaction would be so acute, so soon. I'd also try Ice, and if it persists or gets worse, go see a Dr.

I agree with Tana about seeing a pharmacist if it continues. If I get injured in the garden I typically make sure it's super clean, dribble a bit of hydrogen peroxide on it and bandage it to keep it clean. Though it sounds more like a sting to me.

My family uses hydrogen peroxide all the time. If you got a thorn is still in your skin deep, you can get it out without pain by using magnesium sulfate, it's same as Epsom salt paste (mix it with water). It should get the thorn out in about 2-3 days. I think I'd go to see a doc if it's still red, that's a sign of infection.

That sounds like a sting. Rose thorns can do nasty damage and cause infections but not that quickly. Taking the Benadryl was smart but if you have any problems with allergies I would consult a doctor.

There are also a lot of caterpillars this time of year. One year I was pruning and I thought it was a thorn prick, but it was a saddleback caterpillar. Man, did that sting!

A friend's son was stung by a Saddleback caterpillar while gathering eggs. It was very painful! Hope you are doing much better!

When I get stung, I use an ice pack. It works really quickly. Hope you're feeling better by now.

Carol