Why are rusty nails dangerous

Tetanus can be avoided for the most part by keeping up-to-date with vaccines. Children should receive a series of shots that protects the body against the bacteria and adults should receive booster shots every 10 years. In the case of such a penetration injury , the doctor will recommend another booster shot if you haven't had one in over five years. Yasemin is a staff writer at Live Science, covering health, neuroscience and biology.

She has a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering from the University of Connecticut and a graduate certificate in science communication from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Live Science. Yasemin Saplakoglu. The bacteria that causes tetanus can be found in dirt, dust, or animal feces. To properly clean a puncture wound, start by rinsing the injury with clean water for about 5 to 10 minutes.

This helps remove dirt and any lose debris. Debris can include dirt or pieces of fabric from your sock. If necessary, use tweezers to remove debris from your wound. Clean the tweezers with rubbing alcohol beforehand. You should also protect the puncture to prevent an infection.

After cleaning and drying your wound, apply a thin layer of a topical antibiotic cream such as Neosporin. It can take several days for your wound to heal.

During this time, wrap it in a bandage to protect and keep it clean. Change your bandages at least once a day, preferably after showering. Wait until any bleeding stops before applying a bandage. A minor nail puncture may not require a visit to your doctor.

But, if the nail or wound was dirty or the puncture is deep, you should see your doctor or visit urgent care. When necessary, you should get the shot within 48 hours after your injury. This is especially important if your injury occurred outdoors in soil or if you believe the nail was contaminated. A tetanus infection affects the nervous system and can be life-threatening.

After cleaning and applying antibiotic ointment, monitor the wound over the next couple of days for signs of complications. A skin infection can develop as early as two days after stepping on a nail. If the injury causes a joint or bone infection, symptoms can appear within 14 days after the injury. Complications from stepping on a nail can be serious. But with prompt at-home care and early medical treatment for signs of an infection, the outcome is positive and your wound should heal well.

Farmers and other workers or hobbyists are encouraged to get a tetanus shot every five years if they regularly come into contact with dirt and feces and could easily cut themselves. There are few downsides to getting the tetanus vaccine more often than the year recommendation.

Tetanus is such a serious disease that emergency departments are quick to administer the vaccine to prevent tetanus if the patient is unsure of when they last received the tetanus vaccine. In addition to emergency departments, tetanus vaccines are typically available in urgent care centers, primary care offices and in some pharmacies. Learn more about plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery, the peripheral nervous system and more. The flu shot is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and those around you from illness.

However, flu shots and other preventive health resources are not offered or accessed equally across different racial groups. By clicking "Subscribe" you agree to our Terms of Use. We'll be in touch every so often with health tips, patient stories, important resources and other information you need to keep you and your family healthy. Tetanus symptoms can continue for weeks, and recovery can take months.

How we can get tetanus The disease itself is rare in the United States because the tetanus vaccine is so effective and is regularly administered to our population. What puts us at higher risk of tetanus Animal bite injuries and wounds that could be contaminated with dust, soil or feces put us at risk for tetanus.

What tetanus looks like The onset of tetanus usually begins between three days and three weeks after an injury. Preventing tetanus Avoiding wounds in general, of course, will reduce your tetanus risk.

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