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

Stepped On Rusty Nail, Punctured Skin, Painful. Can I Get Infected?

Hi I stepped on a rusty nail today I had shoes on ,but it went through & punctured my skin, at first it was painful, but I went straight off to work & was rather anxious to look at it until my husband came home I showed him & it looks little infected (red with a brown circle) on heel of foot. As the day went on I have been finding it more uncomfortable to walk on it although if sitting no pain at all? I had tetanus approx 3-4 yrs ago be grateful for any help thank you
Mon, 15 Apr 2013
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
hello and thanks for the query .
as u have mentioned in ur question that the nail was rusted, hence there is a high chance of developing secondary infection due to tetanus or other organism. since u can't remember the exact time of vaccination it wud be advisable to get a booster dose of tetanus again. also u must get yourself clinically examined by a doctor since u may require surgical debridement and sutures with appropriate dressing of the wound. it wud be advisable to start a course of oral antibiotic since ur wound show redness and may already be infected. I wud advice u visit ur nearest doctor as soon as possible since the infection can spread very fast.
hopefully this will solve ur problem.
thanks
good luck.
I find this answer helpful

1 Doctor agrees with this answer

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. 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
 

Recent questions on Vaccine


Loading Online Doctors....
Stepped On Rusty Nail, Punctured Skin, Painful. Can I Get Infected?

hello and thanks for the query . as u have mentioned in ur question that the nail was rusted, hence there is a high chance of developing secondary infection due to tetanus or other organism. since u can t remember the exact time of vaccination it wud be advisable to get a booster dose of tetanus again. also u must get yourself clinically examined by a doctor since u may require surgical debridement and sutures with appropriate dressing of the wound. it wud be advisable to start a course of oral antibiotic since ur wound show redness and may already be infected. I wud advice u visit ur nearest doctor as soon as possible since the infection can spread very fast. hopefully this will solve ur problem. thanks good luck.