Cut by scissors on the hand requires a tetanus shot.

Written by Xing Wen Jun
General Surgery
Updated on May 24, 2025
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If the patient's hands were cut by scissors, first check if the scissors were rusty. If the scissors are rusty and the wound is small and deep, there's a higher risk of tetanus infection. It is advised that the patient should first rinse the wound under running water with soap repeatedly, then use hydrogen peroxide for local rinsing and scrubbing, followed by applying sterile iodophor for disinfection, and then cover with sterile dressing. It is recommended that the patient receive an injection of tetanus antitoxin within 24 hours for proactive prevention. If the scissors were made of stainless steel and relatively clean, and the wound is shallow, local treatment may suffice, and tetanus antitoxin injection generally isn't necessary. Additionally, during recovery, the patient should change dressings timely to prevent infection or the possibility of the wound splitting. If necessary, after cleaning and disinfecting, active suturing treatment should be considered.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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How long does it take for tetanus to develop?

Tetanus is a specific type of infection caused by the toxin produced by the growth and reproduction of Clostridium tetani, which enters the body through damaged skin and mucous membranes and thrives in an anaerobic environment. Clinically, it is mainly characterized by lockjaw, muscle rigidity, and muscle spasms. After being infected with tetanus, people generally show symptoms within seven to eight days; in quick cases, symptoms can appear within twenty-four hours, while in longer scenarios, the onset can take several months or even years.

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Criteria for a Positive Tetanus Diagnosis

After a person is injured, if the wound reaches deeper parts such as the subcutaneous fat layer or even the muscle layer, it is essential to administer tetanus antitoxin to prevent infection from tetanus bacillus. Before injecting the tetanus antitoxin, a skin test must be conducted to prevent allergies and anaphylactic shock. Generally, after injecting the test agent, observations are made for 30 minutes. If there is an enlargement of the wheal, redness and swelling that infiltrates surrounding areas, and the patient feels itching, it indicates a positive result.

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Written by Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
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How long after a tetanus shot can you drink alcohol?

Tetanus antitoxin has a certain role in preventing the recurrence of diseases within the human body. One should not drink alcohol before the wound has fully healed. Drinking alcohol can directly affect local blood circulation, accelerate bacterial growth, and lead to infections. Generally, it is also possible that drinking after receiving a tetanus shot could affect the function of the injection. Therefore, it is advisable not to consume alcohol for at least half a month, especially within the first half month after the tetanus shot. Of course, it would be better to extend this period, such as avoiding alcohol for up to 3 months. This can achieve the best preventive effects of the tetanus toxin, and the medication can perform optimally.

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General Surgery
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Precautions for Tetanus

Tetanus is an acute, specific infection caused by the invasion of Clostridium tetani into a human wound, where it grows, proliferates, and produces toxins. Clostridium tetani is a Gram-positive, anaerobic, spore-forming bacillus. What should be considered in cases of tetanus? Patients with tetanus must be isolated in a single room. The environment should be as quiet as possible to avoid any auditory or visual stimuli. It is important to prevent falls from the bed or bedsores, control or relieve spasms as a key aspect of treatment, and on this basis, prevent asphyxiation and pulmonary infections. Patients with mild conditions can be treated with sedatives and sleeping pills. Severe cases may require the intravenous administration of chlorpromazine. Patients with severe convulsions or those suffering from laryngeal edema may require a tracheotomy.

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Is mild tetanus easy to treat?

Mild tetanus is easy to treat. Mild tetanus presents with slight twitching, numbness in the limbs, and stiffness, with shallow impairment of consciousness and shorter duration of convulsions. Appropriate sedatives or antiepileptic drugs such as midazolam or phenobarbital sodium can be used to control symptoms. Treatment with penicillin to combat tetanus bacillus also yields good results. Additionally, it is important to rest often, avoid excessive fatigue, drink plenty of water, and consume fresh vegetables and fruits. Avoid spicy and irritating foods. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)