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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Have Small Scratches, Bumps From Rusty Metal. Itching Constantly. Had Tetanus Shot Before. On Hydrocortisone. Time To Heal?

I was removing an old rusty metal fence that was partially burried amidst decaying leaves and in dirt. I made the mistake of wearing shorts and a t-shirt. Now I have small scratches and bumps over my legs, arms and face that itch constantly, are swell. This has been going on for 3 days. I had a tetanus shot 3 1/2 years ago. Since the bumps and scratches itch so bad I have been using a 1% hydrocortisone cream that seems to help. Is there anything I should be concerned about? What are these itchy bumps and scratches? How long will they take to heal?
Thu, 9 May 2013
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Pathologist and Microbiologist,  's  Response
Hello and welcome to HCM,

The scratches and bumps on legs and arms that itch seem to be an allergic reaction to decaying leaves and dirt, most probably.
In case the scratches are from the rusted metal, you need not get a tetanus toxoid as the last dose was 1-2 years back.
You can use oral anti histaminic drug for control itching. You needn't use hydrocotisone cream for long.
If the symptoms persist for longer duration, you can consult your doctor for clinical examination and appropriate management.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
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Have Small Scratches, Bumps From Rusty Metal. Itching Constantly. Had Tetanus Shot Before. On Hydrocortisone. Time To Heal?

Hello and welcome to HCM, The scratches and bumps on legs and arms that itch seem to be an allergic reaction to decaying leaves and dirt, most probably. In case the scratches are from the rusted metal, you need not get a tetanus toxoid as the last dose was 1-2 years back. You can use oral anti histaminic drug for control itching. You needn t use hydrocotisone cream for long. If the symptoms persist for longer duration, you can consult your doctor for clinical examination and appropriate management. Thanks and take care Dr Shailja P Wahal