How to avoid tetanus with minor wounds

Written by He Zong Quan
General Surgery
Updated on January 03, 2025
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If minor wounds are not properly handled, they can lead to serious problems, including tetanus. Treatment for minor wounds should be based on the integrity of the skin, the depth of the wound, and whether the object causing the wound was rusty. For simple minor wounds where the integrity of the skin is maintained and only abrasions are present, disinfection of the affected skin area may suffice. If the wound has compromised the integrity of the skin and is deep, especially if caused by rusty, sharp objects, it is necessary to thoroughly remove any foreign materials, clean the wound, and suture it. Dressing changes might be required, along with tetanus vaccination to prevent tetanus infection.

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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 Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
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Can tetanus cause back pain?

Tetanus attacks can cause back pain. The main symptoms of tetanus are convulsions, impaired consciousness, and frothing at the mouth. If the attacks continue, not only will there be back pain, but also pain in the limbs, and severe cases may lead to fractures. Therefore, when tetanus occurs, the patient should be taken to the hospital immediately for emergency treatment. Sedatives should be administered, and if necessary, anesthesia should be used to control the symptoms and reduce complications. Attention should also be paid to keeping the airway clear to minimize the occurrence of asphyxiation. If necessary, tracheal intubation and ventilator treatment should be applied.

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Written by Gao Sen
General Surgery
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Tetanus 0.1ml how many units

In general, the dose of tetanus toxoid is 1500 international units per dose, approximately 1 ml per dose, and generally about 150 international units per 0.1 ml, which can be referred to the instructions. The use of tetanus toxoid should be avoided blindly and should be administered under the guidance of a physician. Additionally, wound cleaning and disinfection should be performed before administering tetanus toxoid. Furthermore, anti-infection treatment should be considered based on the contamination of the wound.

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Written by Ai Bing Quan
General Surgery
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Where to get a tetanus shot?

Tetanus can be treated in any department, but generally, after an injury, one would first go to the emergency room. Therefore, tetanus is very common in emergency medicine. Tetanus is a type of anaerobic bacterium that is ubiquitous in nature. If a person has a wound that is small and deep, the internal environment can become anaerobic, which easily leads to rapid proliferation of tetanus. At this point, it is necessary to inject tetanus immunoglobulin into such wounds. It is best done within 24 hours because after a long period, the tetanus bacillus might have already proliferated in the wound. A skin test should be performed before the injection, and the injection can only proceed if the skin test is negative. If the wound is relatively large and severe, it generally will not be infected by tetanus bacillus.

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Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
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What is the function of a tetanus shot?

A tetanus shot is used to prevent infection by the tetanus bacillus, because certain wounds, such as those that are deep and small or heavily contaminated, are susceptible to colonization by the tetanus bacillus. This bacterium thrives in anaerobic conditions. It typically enters the body through the skin or mucous membranes and produces toxins that cause muscle spasms, a specific type of infection. This often leads to symptoms like lockjaw, spontaneous spasms, and compulsory spasms, commonly affecting the jaw muscles, abdominal muscles, and limbs, and can be life-threatening. Therefore, for wounds that are heavily contaminated, deep, and small, it is essential to administer anti-tetanus treatment.