I was cut by a rusty nail outside, how should I treat it?

Question

I was cut by a rusty nail outside, I cleaned it, put triple anti-biotic ointment, and I change the dressing more than once a day, anything else I should do?

Note: I have recently received my tetanus and meningitis shot.

Answer 1

if its not bleeding then you should be fine... just watch for redness, swelling, or heat at the area which might mean an infection... if this happens you should go to the dr. but if you've had your tetanus you should be alright

Answer 2

Rusty Nail Injury

Answer 3

Your tetanus shot will be fine. You don't need another. However make sure that your cut is clean, and put some antiseptic on it, and then cover it with a clean dressing. You don't say whether the nail just scratched your leg, or went in. If it went in then it is potentially more serious and a deeper infection may develop. Either way you need to clean it twice a day with antiseptic and change the dressing. If it becomes red, painful, swells etc. then you may be developing an infection and you should go to A&E or your doctor immediately, as you may need antibiotics, before an abscess forms.

Answer 4

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RE:
I was cut by a rusty nail outside, how should I treat it?
I was cut by a rusty nail outside, I cleaned it, put triple anti-biotic ointment, and I change the dressing more than once a day, anything else I should do?

Note: I have recently received my tetanus and meningitis shot.

Answer 5

As long as you have had a recent tetanus shot, I would just keep the cut clean and dry and keep antibiotic ointment on it and keep it covered. Just watch for red stripes running up towards your heart away from the cut, this means infection and could be very serious; for that I would go see a doctor.

Answer 6

Sounds like you are way ahead of this one.

Depending on how recently you got your tetanus shot you might want to look into a booster. Otherwise just check to make sure it is healing properly and treat any infection should it occur.

See a doctor if there are any problems.

Answer 7

sounds like you are doing just what a doctor would order. Tetanus should be current within 5 years of the injury. keep the wound clean -allow it time to heal outside of the dressing. soap and water is the best. watch for discoloration, redness, or pain around the injury site.

Answer 8

Since you had your tetanus shot, watch for red streaks and swelling of the area. If that occurs, see your doctor because it is a major infection.

Answer 9

Go to the doctor even if you have had a recent tetanus shot most doctors like to give another one just in case in a situation like this. Tetanus is a nasty disease and you should not take any chances.

Answer 10

if you haven't had a tetanus shot in the last 10yrs you need one ,now you could get lock jaw or worse loose you hand if you don't get treated right away until then good old soap and water