HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Is It Necessary To Have Tetanus Shot For A Wound From Rusted Nail?

I had a rusty nail poke my leg over the weekend and not sure how far it went in. The wound bled but not excessively. I cleaned with peroxide and put ointment on the wound. However, the area is now swollen and very sensitive to the touch. My last tetanus shot was 3 and a half years ago. Any suggestions?
Mon, 6 Jul 2015
Report Abuse
Psychologist,  's  Response
Dear
Welcome to HCM
We understand your concerns

I went through your details. Usually tetanus shot is taken once in every five years. If you are sure you had the vaccine three years back, then there may not be any of it. In this case, you do not know how rusted or infected the nail could be. A surgeon should be able to examine the wound and tell you exactly what treatment is needed. Let the decision be taken by surgeon. You even don't know any foreign particles got lodged within the wound which could trigger infection later. Consult a surgeon soon. Take care.

If you still need my assistance in this regard, please use this link. http://goo.gl/aYW2pR. Please remember to describe the whole problem with full detail.

Hope this answers your query. Available for further clarifications.
Good luck.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 
Loading Online Doctors....
Is It Necessary To Have Tetanus Shot For A Wound From Rusted Nail?

Dear Welcome to HCM We understand your concerns I went through your details. Usually tetanus shot is taken once in every five years. If you are sure you had the vaccine three years back, then there may not be any of it. In this case, you do not know how rusted or infected the nail could be. A surgeon should be able to examine the wound and tell you exactly what treatment is needed. Let the decision be taken by surgeon. You even don t know any foreign particles got lodged within the wound which could trigger infection later. Consult a surgeon soon. Take care. If you still need my assistance in this regard, please use this link. http://goo.gl/aYW2pR. Please remember to describe the whole problem with full detail. Hope this answers your query. Available for further clarifications. Good luck.