FL
A 26-year-old male asked:
foot sliced while submerged in dirt in dog pen. it's shallow, but gouged out a mm deep, a mm wide and 3/4ths an inch long. any chance of tetanus?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Kyon Hood answered
Pediatrics 20 years experience
Yes, & Infection.: You should seek immediate medical treatment at the closest urgent care or ER, as your wound should be properly cleaned, possibly repaired, and you may benefit from prophylactic antibiotics as well as a tetanus vaccine (if you are not up-to-date on your vaccines).
3966 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Emil Mondoa answered
Pediatrics 40 years experience
Tetanus Concern: The aim of the tetanus shot is to give you protection by creating antibodies within your blood to neutralize tetanus toxins. You probably got a whole slew of tetanus vaccines as a child, but after that, you have to have a booster shot every 10 years or so, to maintain that immunity. If you have not had a booster shot in 10 years, it is not late to go today and get one. If you forgot when, get one.
3966 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Last updated Sep 28, 2016
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits
$15 per month
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.