Will tetanus cause itching all over the body?

Written by Chen Xiao Jun
Emergency Department
Updated on June 11, 2025
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After the human body is infected with tetanus, it generally does not cause symptoms such as itching all over the body. After being infected with tetanus, there will be photophobia and fear of wind, and there will be stiff muscle spasms. Upon hearing the sound of wind or water, the patient will experience panic and fear, with involuntary spasms of the facial chewing muscles and other muscles. These symptoms should be considered as tetanus. The onset of tetanus is related to infection with the tetanus bacillus. Generalized itching is commonly seen in allergic diseases, caused by various reasons leading to systemic allergies. For generalized itching, anti-allergic medications should be used for treatment to alleviate the symptoms of itching all over the body.

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Written by Tang Da Wei
General Surgery
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Will a tetanus wound heal?

Tetanus wounds do not heal, and they contain a large amount of tetanus bacilli, which reproduce massively, leading to symptoms such as redness, pain, and even pus discharge in the affected area. Generally, these wounds cannot heal by themselves; even if the skin heals, the underlying and muscle tissues infected by tetanus can cause the skin to rupture and possibly accumulate pus. If a superficial wound is suspected to be infected with tetanus, it is necessary to promptly enlarge the wound, i.e., expand the surface wound, and rinse repeatedly with hydrogen peroxide and clean water to further kill the tetanus bacilli inside. At the same time, it is necessary to administer tetanus antitoxin, regularly observe the patient's clinical manifestations, and if necessary, administer tetanus antitoxin again after a period.

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Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
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Which department do I go to for a tetanus shot?

Tetanus injections are generally given in the emergency department of public hospitals, and include tetanus toxoid and tetanus immunoglobulin. A skin test is required for tetanus toxoid, and it is contraindicated for patients with allergies. Tetanus immunoglobulin does not require a skin test and can be used directly. It is advisable not to drink alcohol before getting a tetanus shot, and for best effectiveness, it is recommended to administer the shot within 24 hours of injury. It is essential to administer the tetanus shot promptly for deeper wounds, small openings, open fractures, and wounds contaminated with rust or dirt.

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Written by Xing Wen Jun
General Surgery
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Where is the tetanus shot injected?

Tetanus antitoxin is generally administered via intramuscular injection, commonly in the buttock muscles. If a patient is injured by a rusty iron object, and the wound is small and deep, it is generally recommended to consider administering tetanus antitoxin actively within 24 hours after the injury to help prevent tetanus. Additionally, for local wound care, the patient needs to rinse the wound with soap and water under running water, then clean, apply, rinse, and dry with hydrogen peroxide before disinfecting with iodine. Afterwards, covering the wound with sterile Vaseline gauze and sterile dressings is appropriate. Furthermore, the patient should keep the wound dry for up to three weeks after the injury as getting it wet may delay healing or increase the risk of incisional infection. Moreover, the patient should avoid alcohol and minimize the intake of spicy and irritating foods within a month after the injury.

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Written by Tang Da Wei
General Surgery
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Where to get a tetanus shot?

First, if a patient has a traumatic injury with a deep wound, there is a possibility of infection by tetanus bacillus. It's necessary to inject a tetanus shot into the muscle. After administering the tetanus shot, the wound must be thoroughly debrided. Generally, hydrogen peroxide and saline should be used to repeatedly rinse the wound, reaching the deepest part to ensure that the tetanus bacillus is completely killed. For getting a tetanus shot, one can go to regular hospitals, outpatient clinics, or emergency departments. It is also possible to get vaccinated at community health centers and township health centers where vaccinations are available.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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Where is the tetanus shot administered?

When a wound is severely contaminated, or deep, and there is a risk factor for tetanus infection, it is generally necessary to go to a regular hospital to receive a tetanus vaccine. The injection sites for the tetanus vaccine are mainly two places: first, the deltoid muscle of the upper arm; second, the gluteus maximus of the buttocks. Most hospitals currently advocate administering the tetanus vaccine in the gluteus maximus. After receiving the tetanus vaccine, one must be observed for half an hour before leaving.