\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Immediately after stepping on a rusty nail, you have to do the procedures to avoid infection. This may mean a visit to the hospital. Recommended adult immunization schedule for ages 19 years or older, United States, 2020. * Treatment I would recommend would be to really get peroxide into the puncture, and let it clean it out. no offense but the bottom of your foot makes it look like you stepped on about 12 other tacks.. For these reasons, it's important to understand when you should be vaccinated. Some of the drugs to control muscle spasms include sedatives from the benzodiazepine group (like diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), alprazolam (Xanax), and midazolam (Versed). If the object was lodged in your foot and you removed it yourself, the doctor may want to take x-rays in order to make sure that no part of it remains stuck inside your foot (or possibly MRI, if the suspected object was not metallic). I had a - Answered by a verified Doctor . Approved. Click here for an email preview. Since some people may lose the protective antibody levels after 5 years, a booster vaccination is recommended if you get a deep, contaminated wound and haven't had a vaccination in more than 5 years. Was he barefoot or wearing socks/shoes? Wash the cut with soap and water. You must log in or register to reply here. 7th ed. In rare instances, a tiny part of a sock or shoe may have gotten into the wound. Thompson DA. In: Triage Protocols for Aging Adults. - Answered by a verified Health Professional . They may remove the pin or tack themselves and then do an x-ray to make sure no part of the pin or tack is still stuck under your skin. But, people with, Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is a severe infection caused by a bacterium that affects the brain and nervous system. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Puncture wounds. Thanks to the prevalence of vaccinations, however, severe cases of tetanus are rare in developed countries like the United States. The vaccine will not "give you more tetanus." Find out when to see your doctor, and much more. Unless you're around horses, as long as you've had a tetnus shot in the past 10 you should be fine. Look at how deep the pin or tack is in your skin. This article was co-authored by Chris M. Matsko, MD. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. He said he is cleaning it now with peroxide. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. If you haven't gotten a tetanus shot in the past 10 years or can't remember, go get a tetanus shot (especially if you're over 40, when immune response from the original series of shots and boosters really begins to wane). Tdap. Look at the angle of the pin or tack in your skin. Its name has two derivations: If you step down hard on a small object such as a stone or pebble it . Emergencies and urgent care. If you take care and don't get it dirty you should be just fine. For those who suspect they've been exposed to tetanus, there are a number of symptoms to watch out for: Spasms and stiffness of jaw (hence why tetanus is commonly known as "lockjaw") Muscle spasms often in the abdomen Painful muscle stiffness throughout the body Trouble swallowing Restlessness and irritability Fever Headache Sore throat % of people told us that this article helped them. Langerhans Cells Wounds involving necrotic, or dead, tissue. For example, if you are taking an anticoagulation medication, then you may need to see a doctor right away if the bleeding does not stop. In fact, any damage to the skin, even burns and blisters, allows tetanus-causing bacteria to enter the body. If the pin or tack appears to be too deep into your skin, you may need professional medical care. A puncture wound, such as from stepping on a nail, doesn't usually cause much bleeding. Get some extra vitamin C in your system and if you can find it I would suggest taking some immuplex by standard process (only available through a healthcare professional), I would clean it out really well and then just watch it to make sure it doesn't become infected. Tetanus is in the soil. To learn how to recognize symptoms of tetanus, read more from our Physician co-author. Turns out to be a tack. For example, areas of gangrene (dead body tissue) are at increased risk for infection. 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