I stepped on a nail today --- What would happen if I left it untreated?

Question

I stepped on a nail today --it went through my shoe -- stuck in my foot -- not sure how deep -- took off shoe and sock -- used a first aid towelette thing -- an hour later put some hydrogen peroxide on it -- was just wondering what would happen if I left it untreated? Thanks

Answer 1

You need to go have a tetanus shot. Tetanus is a nerve condition that occurs when humans become infected with a bacteria commonly found in the environment known as Clostridium tetani. Tetanus commonly causes muscle rigidity and painful spasms usually starting at the top of the body. Lockjaw is often the first symptom, followed by stiffness in the neck and abdomen and problems swallowing. Symptoms appear anywhere from days to weeks after infection. immunization is the best way to protect against tetanus.

Answer 2

Ah,,, look there is a one in a hundred chance you might get Tetanus
and if you begin to develop symptoms like a fever or local infection, then
go to the doctor and get antibiotics. What do you think homo sapiens did
for the last 50,000 years ? That is the problem today and the reason our immune systems have become so weak... because we are never giving
our immune systems a workout. Look what they are saying now... the dirtiest kids in the dirtiest neighborhoods and that grow up with pets
or around animals with all their germs are the healthiest when grown and
least likely to develop allergies etc. Eat very nutritiously so that you body
has the fuel and ammo to be as strong as it can be.

Answer 3

You could get tetanus. Here is what Yahoo Health says about it:

Tetanus is a disease caused by a bacterial infection. The bacteria make a toxin, or poison, that causes severe muscle spasms. Tetanus can be very dangerous, but you can get a shot to prevent it. Tetanus is also called "lockjaw" because muscle spasms in your jaw make it hard to open your mouth. Tetanus also causes seizures and makes it hard for you to swallow or breathe.

Answer 4

you could get tetanus - tetanus grows in environments that have alot of iron or rusting iron, like an old nail. you should get a tetanus shot to make sure you dont get tetanus, because it is a horrible, painful disease. you could also get a disease such as cellulitis from an other bacteria on the nail (cellulitis is when bacteria infect the skin, and cause redness, swelling, and pain to a localized area, such as your foot). you should get antibiotics just to be sure you dont get sick as well - if not, you could really be in for some problems.

Answer 5

Have you had a tetanus shot recently?

If not, you need to go to the Dr and be treated in 24 hours to avoid getting Tetanus which can cause Lockjaw and also be fatal.

Answer 6

You could develop tetanus which is a horrible disease. Go to the ER or a doctor and get a tetanus shot if you have not had one in a few years.

Answer 7

The injury itself could get infected, and absolute worst case scenario, you could lose your foot. I'd be more worried about whether or not your tetanus shot is up to date, myself. Tetanus is a very nasty disease.
Long story short--keep it clean and get your tetanus shot if it's been 8 or more years since the last one.

Answer 8

You need a tetanus shot and possibly some antibiotics. See a doctor. You are in danger of getting a serious infection.

Answer 9

You should have your doctor look at it. It depends how deep, if the nail was rusty and if you are up on your tetanus shot. You wouldn't want to get infection and have worse problems.

Answer 10

babe, if you did not got a tetanus shot for the last 5 years i would definatly rush to the first clinik and get a shot in my but...
how u treated it is good , but i thought u said it went inside your foot right? not just of the surface of the skin..