Hi guys, was at a bungalow demolishing party tonight?


Question:
Caught my leg on a nail (not rusty) and made it bleed. I cleaned it off with a wet-wipe, then put on some Savlon. I wouldn't need a tetanus shot now, would I? last one I had was 20 years ago.

Answers:
You should have a Tetanus shot every ten years, and it doesn't matter at all if the nail was rusty or not, contrary to popular belief. Also, wet wipes have chemicals that may inflame or aggravate broken skin. It would be wise to get a Tetanus shot, although you will likely experience no problems from the scratch by the nail. Next time, wash with warm, soapy water as soon as you can get to it, then add antibiotic ointment. Good luck, and go get that Tetanus shot! You really need to have it BEFORE you get that dangerous injury for it to really be effective.

Other Answers:
Yes, you should have another tetnus shot anyway.......to keep up with your shots........don't take a chance...it won't hurt much :)
No, I've done this a lot.
yes you need the tetanus shot. They are only good for ten years.
dont worry about it clean it with hydrogen peroxide and you should be ok.
Rust is not a cause of tetanus. You can just pick it up from any wound. If you're worried, have the shot, it's better to be safe than sorry.
Just get the shot, it probably won't hurt as much as the nail that got in your leg.
yes you should, just in case. because a teranus is VERY serious. it will paralyze you then kill you. so just to be on the safe side, i would get one.
Nail doesn't need to be rusty to transmit tetanus, any items that puncture the skin can transmit tetanus. I would go get one if it has been more than 10 years (you say 20) so yeah you need a tetanus shot.
I have to agree with the first answer. Whether the nail was rusty or not really doesn't matter if it has been 20 years since your least tetanus shot. Be on the safe side!
Better off to be sure rather than to take such a dangerous chance.
Meanwhile, keep it clean and keep using an antibiotic cream on it. I've never heard of the one you mentioned, but I know that Neosporin is good too.
You shouldn't have any aversive problem with this cut. Make sure you thoroughly clean the wound, apply medication, and wrap it up to avoid germs. Take care of it until it completely heals.


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