Bristle worms are call that for a reason, they have clumps of bristles protruding from both sides of the body and run the entire length, as shown in the following image.

Several bristles worms, note the clumps of bristles that run the length of the body on both sides.

These bristles are strong enough to penetrate the human skin (although the fingers tend to be tough enough to stop this from happening), so if you happen to brush your arm up against a bristle worm some bristles may become imbedded in the skin. Due to how fine they are, they are impossible to pull out with tweezers, simply breaking off. If you leave them in the skin, then you risk the area getting an nasty infection for a significant length of time.

There are two techniques that you can use to remove the bristles:

1. Sticky tape: apply it to the region gently. It will stick to the bristles protruding from the skin. Then gently pull it off, taking the bristles with it. Repeat a number of times over the entire area to ensure all are removed.
2. Vinegar: cover the effected area with vinegar for half an hour. The vinegar will dissolve the bristles as they are calcerous. This technique can be used after using the sticky tape to ensure all have been removed.

Never touch your face after you have touched a worm and have bristles imbedded somewhere in your body. It is very simple to transfer the bristles to the skin on your face, and the sensative skin there is significantly softer and thinner, especially around the eyes.

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