A member asked:

I have a very mild cut on my hand but with dirt in it. what should i do, get a tetanus booster?

6 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

Clean it 1st!: First, clean the wound (mild soap and water) making sure you have removed all the dirt particles, apply a topical antibiotic agent (neosporin) and bandage. Check with your doctor as to when your last tetanus vaccine/booster was given. If it's been a while, your doctor may want you to get a booster and also put you on antibiotics if the wound is at significant risk of infection. Go see your doc!

Answered 7/25/2013

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Depends: Small dirty cuts are openings in the skin that can allow the tetanus spores to grow in your tissue.It doesn't take many to start the process & lead to tetanus. If you've had a booster within 5 yrs, just clean the cut & watch for problems. If no booster, or you never completed the primary series, you should get one.Today they have the tdap which actually boosts you for tetanus, diphtheria & pertussis.

Answered 8/9/2015

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