Help preserve this vital resource. Do you believe tetanus, often called lockjaw, is caused by stepping on a rusty nail? In fact, any damage to the skin, even burns and blisters, allows tetanus-causing bacteria to enter the body. Robb-Nicholson, Celeste. Flush the wound with clean water and soap as soon as possible for 5–10 minutes. Farrar, J.J., et al. You should immediately go to your nearest A&E department or call 999 for an ambulance if you develop severe muscle stiffness or spasms. If the tissue of the wound is dying, a doctor will need to remove the tissue. "Encyclopedia of Family Health." 2002. If you experience a puncture wound, it's best to get the booster shot regardless of when you had your last tetanus shot. Clinicians estimate that 10% of people who step on a nail will develop an infection. These can include: Osteomyelitis develops slowly, and may take days or months to appear. "Gardeners at high risk for tetanus." Brody, Jane E. "A Dose of Potent Advice: Don't Mess with Tetanus." "The Microbial Challenge." If you do develop an infection, visit your doctor for antibiotics to prevent it from spreading. Toxins are produced and disseminated via blood and lymphatics. Anna Aronson began working as a journalist in 2000 and spent six years at suburban Chicago newspapers before pursuing freelance work. World Health Organization. The big issue with tetanus is if you get tetanus there's not a lot we can do for it. The best way to prevent an infection is early treatment. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. Copyright © 2020 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. Muscles stiffness, which usually starts in your jaw and neck, and goes to your arms, legs, back, and other body muscles. Last medically reviewed on July 31, 2020, An open wound leaves internal tissue exposed. New York Times. Public Health England defines tetanus-prone wounds as: If you have a tetanus-prone wound and it's considered to be high risk, treatment with tetanus immunoglobulin (TIG) is recommended. In the presence of anaerobic (low oxygen) conditions, the spores germinate. Apply antiseptic, antibiotic ointment, or both to the wound area if available. life-threatening infection caused by Clostridium tetani bacteria She received a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Eastern Illinois University and is now studying for a Master of Science in medicine degree to become a physician's assistant. [Update 7 May 2018]: Changed the claim from "stepping on a rusty nail causes the disease tetanus" to "rust causes tetanus" and clarified the origins of the latter. The bacterium usually enters…. Most people who get tetanus have either not been vaccinated against it or did not complete the entire vaccination schedule. After the initial tetanus series, booster shots are recommended every 10 years. Stepping on a nail can spread this bacteria to humans. If you have definitely received 5 doses of the tetanus vaccine, you're fully vaccinated and don't need a booster dose. As with other infections, a wound infection may cause lymph nodes to swell. If you have definitely received 5 doses of the tetanus vaccine, you're fully vaccinated and don't need a booster dose. June 17, 2008. Snopes and the Snopes.com logo are registered service marks of Snopes.com. “Tetanus.” MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Weird & Wacky, Copyright © 2020 HowStuffWorks, a division of InfoSpace Holdings, LLC, a System1 Company. When you step on a rusty nail and haven’t got the shot in the last five years, you need to go to the hospital within 24 hours to get the shot. In particular, you may notice that the skin around the wound becomes more swollen and tender about two days after you step on the nail, according to the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital. If you do develop an infection, visit your doctor for antibiotics to prevent it from spreading.
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