What is tetanus used for?

Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
Updated on June 12, 2025
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Tetanus is a disease caused by the invasion of Clostridium tetani through skin and mucous membrane wounds into the human body. It reproduces and produces toxins in an anaerobic environment, leading to a specific type of infection. Tetanus toxin mainly attacks the motor neurons, causing clinical symptoms such as episodic spasms, lockjaw, and rigid spasms. It mainly affects the masseter muscle, abdominal muscles, spinal muscles, etc., and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. If the wound is heavily contaminated, deep, or contaminated with soil and rust, timely anti-tetanus symptomatic treatment should be administered.

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Written by Liu Huan Huan
General Surgery
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How long does the tetanus skin test take?

If a patient is injured and the injury is relatively deep, it is recommended to visit the hospital to receive a tetanus antitoxin injection to prevent tetanus infection. Before injecting the tetanus antitoxin, a skin test must be conducted to prevent allergic reactions, including severe complications such as anaphylactic shock. A common method for the skin test is to dilute 0.1ml of tetanus antitoxin in 0.9ml of saline to make a solution and take 0.05ml of it for a skin prick test on the forearm. The observation time for this test is generally 30 minutes, to monitor for any positive reactions at the site of the test.

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Written by He Zong Quan
General Surgery
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Can a festering wound lead to tetanus?

Wound suppuration and contracting tetanus are two different concepts. Wound suppuration primarily occurs when there is an infection at the wound site, which spreads due to lack of significant control over the infection focus. We need to actively locate the infection source, perform thorough surgical debridement and drainage, use sensitive antibiotics as needed globally, and change dressings in a timely manner to manage the infection. Tetanus, on the other hand, is typically considered when the wound is too deep and visibly contaminated, often by rusty, sharp objects causing the infection. In such cases, thorough surgical cleansing of the wound is essential to prevent surface contamination, along with the systemic use of tetanus antitoxin to reduce or prevent a tetanus infection.

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Written by Liu Huan Huan
General Surgery
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Is tetanus administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously?

Tetanus is widely used clinically and is known as tetanus antitoxin, intended solely to prevent the clinical symptoms caused by infection with Clostridium tetani. Therefore, a skin test must be conducted before administering tetanus injections. The common skin test involves creating a skin wheal intradermally; if the skin test is negative, one can proceed with the tetanus antitoxin injection. The injection can be administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously. For example, the common sites include the deltoid attachment area on the upper arm for subcutaneous injections, and the deltoid or the lateral part of the buttock for intramuscular injections, among others. These are the injection sites for tetanus.

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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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Written by Gao Tian
General Surgery
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Is it necessary to avoid certain foods after a tetanus shot?

After a tetanus shot, dietary restrictions are generally needed, especially within the first 24 hours after the injection. Therefore, it is advisable to go to the surgical department for thorough wound cleaning and disinfection as soon as possible. If there is pus, a drainage tube should be placed. Follow-up plans should be made based on the results. Normally, pay attention to rest and diet, eat less spicy and greasy food, keep the wound clean and dry, change dressings on time. If inflammation occurs, oral antibiotics may be needed to control the infection, followed by regular check-ups.