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

What Infection Can You Get From An Injury Caused By A Rusted Nail ?

My dad came home with a injured hand. He is a construction worker. He tells me that he was moving dirt with his hand and came across a rusty nail in the ground that stabbed through he s hand. He somewhat properly treated it, but what are the dangers of the rusty nail having gone through his hand?
Mon, 8 Aug 2016
Report Abuse
Emergency Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
The main concern would be for the infection causing tetanus. If a rusty nail has penetrated his skin then he will need to receive the tetanus immunoglobulin injection from his nearest Emergency Department. He should get this done as a priority as there is certainly a risk of tetanus from this type of injury. He then runs the risk of other infections affecting the bones, joints and tendon sheaths in his hand which may need formally washing out depending of the severity of his injury. He ought to have this addressed as a priority and I certainly would not wait. He should elevate his hand and ensure it has been thoroughly washed out with copious amounts of warm running water in the meantime. I hope this helps.
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
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Infection Can You Get From An Injury Caused By A Rusted Nail ?

The main concern would be for the infection causing tetanus. If a rusty nail has penetrated his skin then he will need to receive the tetanus immunoglobulin injection from his nearest Emergency Department. He should get this done as a priority as there is certainly a risk of tetanus from this type of injury. He then runs the risk of other infections affecting the bones, joints and tendon sheaths in his hand which may need formally washing out depending of the severity of his injury. He ought to have this addressed as a priority and I certainly would not wait. He should elevate his hand and ensure it has been thoroughly washed out with copious amounts of warm running water in the meantime. I hope this helps.