Weeding this week I got a few cuts on my hands. It got me thinking that it might be time for a Tetanus booster.
Can Stepping on a Rusty Nail Give You Tetanus? We grow up hearing that a wound caused by a rusty nail can lead to tetanus, also known as lockjaw. The bacteria that cause tetanus are common. However, it is the nature of the wound, rather than the presence of rust that is connected with tetanus. The bacterium is Clostridia.
Clostridia can be found in soil, dust, feces and on even on the surface of the skin. The bacteria only reproduces in the absence of oxygen, so any deep wound can become a breeding ground.
This is a picture of the nasty little vermin. (google.com)
Keep in mind, you can get cuts from gardening tools or wire fence. Any object, whether it is rusty or not, that punctures or damages the skin, can lead to tetanus. The symptoms can be severe causing spasms and muscle rigidity all over the body, most frequently in the face.
Check with your doctor and get the vaccine or a booster every 10 years (or as your doctor recommends) .
Second, wash deep wounds thoroughly an antiseptic / antibiotic wash.
And see a doctor if the wound does not heal promptly and cleanly.
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