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Is Tetanus Shot Required After Injury From A Rusty Razor?

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Posted on Tue, 17 Nov 2015
Question: I was taking a shower and scraped myself with my razor. Upon inspecting it, I noticed a tiny bit of rust. It's only a very tiny XXXXXXX and there's no blood, should I be concerned? I know I had my shots updated about a year ago, but I don't remember if my tetanus shot was one of them.
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Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (24 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You will not get tetanus from this injury

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Welcome and thanks for your query.
I understand your concern.
Contrary to the popular misconception that tetanus is caused by rust, it's caused by a bacteria
Clostridium tetani. It is usually found in the soil and in the absence of oxygen. So it's highly unlikely that your razor was infected with the bacteria. Even if it were, the would is not deep enough to be out of contact with the atmospheric oxygen.
So relax, there is no reason for concern.
Best wishes,
Dr Noble Zachariah
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Noble Zachariah

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1974

Answered : 2319 Questions

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Is Tetanus Shot Required After Injury From A Rusty Razor?

Brief Answer: You will not get tetanus from this injury Detailed Answer: Hello, Welcome and thanks for your query. I understand your concern. Contrary to the popular misconception that tetanus is caused by rust, it's caused by a bacteria Clostridium tetani. It is usually found in the soil and in the absence of oxygen. So it's highly unlikely that your razor was infected with the bacteria. Even if it were, the would is not deep enough to be out of contact with the atmospheric oxygen. So relax, there is no reason for concern. Best wishes, Dr Noble Zachariah