Do you still need a skin test for tetanus allergy?

Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
Updated on November 02, 2024
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Under normal circumstances, if there is an allergy to tetanus, a skin test is not required. If tetanus vaccination is indeed necessary, human immunoglobulin can be injected, and this does not require a skin test. 250 units can be injected directly. Additionally, tetanus antitoxin desensitization injections can be used. The so-called desensitization injection involves diluting 1500 units of tetanus antitoxin into doses of 0.1 ml, 0.2 ml, 0.3 ml, and 0.4 ml, totaling 1 ml, and administering it in four doses, each 20 minutes apart. After the injections are completed, an observation period of 30 minutes is required to ensure there are no adverse reactions before the patient can leave.

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Written by Tang Da Wei
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Can getting ear piercings lead to tetanus?

Piercing ears generally does not result in a tetanus infection. Since the wounds from ear piercings are relatively small, they basically reach aerobic conditions. Tetanus bacillus are anaerobic bacteria and generally do not proliferate in an aerobic environment. In an anaerobic environment, however, tetanus bacillus can proliferate extensively, which is when a patient might show symptoms of tetanus. However, the specific condition of the patient's ears must also be considered. If the patient’s earlobes are very thick, the small external opening from the piercing might create an anaerobic environment within the middle of the earlobe. If tetanus bacillus colonizes inside the wound, it may lead to extensive proliferation of the bacteria.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
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Can tetanus be fatal?

Firstly, it must be acknowledged that if a patient with tetanus does not receive timely treatment, it can be fatal. When tetanus infection occurs, the early symptoms mainly include dizziness, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, weak chewing, sore jaw muscles, or some heightened reflexes, or muscle tension. As tetanus worsens, it can manifest as typical clinical symptoms, mainly lockjaw, difficulty opening the mouth, sardonic smile, stiff neck, opisthotonos, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing, respiratory arrest, and even cardiac arrest. If emergency treatment is not administered promptly, the patient can die.

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How to treat mild tetanus?

The treatment for mild tetanus mainly includes the following aspects: First, to control convulsions, diazepam or midazolam can be administered via muscle injection or intravenous injection. If necessary, phenytoin sodium can be combined to control seizures. If the convulsions last a long time and the symptoms are pronounced, sedative medications can be continuously used to control the convulsions. Second, use large amounts of penicillin and anti-tetanus bacillus treatment to control the infection. Third, maintain a quiet indoor environment to reduce stimuli. Fourth, after the patient regains consciousness, attention should be paid to diet: avoid spicy and stimulating foods, do not smoke or drink alcohol, and it is advised to drink more water and eat more fresh vegetables and fruits. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor)

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Written by Gao Tian
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What should I do if the tetanus skin test is positive?

For patients, what to do if there is a positive tetanus skin test? Generally if it's positive, you can undergo desensitization injections or use anti-protein drugs. Therefore, in such cases, getting a tetanus injection is also a preventative measure against infection. It's recommended to visit a surgeon to complete relevant examinations and then decide on the next steps. At the same time, thorough debridement and disinfection should be carried out. Afterwards, rest, pay attention to diet by avoiding spicy and irritating foods, maintain cleanliness and dryness, change dressings regularly, and have regular follow-ups. With proper control, recovery is possible.

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Can you get tetanus from a plastic scratch?

In clinical practice, all injuries, if the wound is relatively deep, such as being cut by a sharp object into the subcutaneous tissue or even damaging the tendons, reaching the muscle tissue, can potentially be infected by tetanus. Wounds inflicted by plastic can also be infected by tetanus. In such deep wounds, Clostridium tetani can easily grow and reproduce. This bacterium can produce a toxin that causes muscle spasms, leading to related clinical symptoms. Therefore, if a plastic injury results in a deep wound, there is a risk of tetanus infection. It is advised that the patient seeks medical attention promptly, undergoes wound disinfection, and receives an injection of tetanus antitoxin to prevent infection.