Our carpet was torn out the other day, so those nails that were holding it together were exposed. They aren't rusty, just so you know.
Anyway, I pricked my toe on of the nails (and by prick, I mean, it left a microscopic dot). I pushed the blood out and cleaned it. All that's left today is...well, just a microscopic dot.
So, with all that said, should I get a shot? I haven't had one in the past 10 years (it's been almost 12), but I don't have any money right now. Should I not worry ?
2006-12-02 14:08:29 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Injuries
Yeah. All that's there is a small dot (smaller than a grain of salt). I'd imagine there's no reason to worry then?
2006-12-02 14:13:13 · update #1
Yeah, I know I should get one ever 10 years. Just wanted to get info on wheather I'm just panicing or not :)
2006-12-02 14:14:14 · update #2
Don't risk your health over money. In this case, it's truly better to be safe than get lockjaw. Just because you can't see rust on a nail doesn't mean it isn't there.
2006-12-02 14:20:44 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Before I answer your question let us see briefly what is Tetanus?
You might have heard that it is often-fatal disease of the nervous system that is caused by the nerve toxins of the bacterium called Clostridium tetani. This bacteria is found throughout the world as a normal element in the soil and in animal and human intestines.
The greatest danger is if you live in a farm where there is a possibility of stepping on soil which have been contaminated with horse feces or manure while you have an open wound.
Puncture wounds caused by nails or broken pices of glass and splinters, or insect bites are the common locations of entry for the bacteria. The bacteria can also be introduced through burns, any break in the skin, and injection-drug sites, and some times, can also be a hazard to both the mother and newborn baby, through the wound on her uterus or the baby's umbilical cord stump, if they are not sterelized.
Judging from the description you gave on the microscopic wound, and taken for granted that you have pushed the bloood out, and cleaned your wound with water and soap and cover it with a bandaid, and very sure there was no rust on the nail, and you do not go barefooted on farm soil or street. I should say you are quite safe. But of course, the best thing is to get an advice from your doctor.
2006-12-02 22:50:52 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Prof. Lee gave an excellent synopsis on Clostridium tetani. It is indeed found all over the world and can inoculate ANY break in the skin. Small wounds are much less likely than large, contaminated wounds to cause you problems. Your immune system can usually kill off any inculum in a small wound like you describe.
To put your mind at ease, if it's been this long and you haven't developed symptoms, you're probably fine. That being said, you should probably get an update booster anyway. They're not particularly expensive and if you develop tetanus, it is usually too far gone to do anything about it. It's very simply prevented but devastating when it occurs.
2006-12-06 18:16:26 · answer #3 · answered by tiredsurgeon 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dont think u need 2 worry... its the outside rusty nails which usually require the shot... pretty sure a microscopic dot sized prick from an inside non rusty nail wudnt do 2 much damage....
2006-12-02 22:11:23 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just make sure it does not get red or itchy or swolen, those are signs of inffection. But you should really get a tetanus shot every 10 years. Get one when you have some money cause its better to have it and not need it, then to get stuck and die.
2006-12-02 22:12:43 · answer #5 · answered by quileter 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't, but just to be safe, contact your doctors office and explain the situation.
Normally, the rusty thing must deeply penetrate the skin. But, tetanus is not to be messed with, be safe, call.
2006-12-02 22:11:29 · answer #6 · answered by MadforMAC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Everyone should have a tetnus shot every ten years. If the area does not look infected today, don't worry, but you shoud get the shot soon, you are overdue. Once you develop tetnus, there is no cure. http://onlineinvestigations.info
2006-12-02 22:11:44 · answer #7 · answered by Survey S 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
YEs, get it. It's very dangerous if you do not, and you can die from it. Go and get one, if you havn't had one in 5 years. It's safer just to go.
2006-12-06 22:00:14 · answer #8 · answered by May M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some clinics and ER's will give them for free, or at least pretty cheap.
2006-12-02 22:15:59 · answer #9 · answered by Laura C 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you know that old russian game with a gun...1 in 6 chance you get the bullet,,you want to play??????????????
2006-12-02 22:15:45 · answer #10 · answered by tnedutsmp .rM 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋