how do you treat stepping on a nail

How long does it take to heal from stepping on a nail?

Puncture wounds are painful but the pain should subside as the wound heals. Over-the-counter medications can help with inflammation and pain. These include ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or naproxen sodium (Aleve). On average, it can take two days to two weeks for an injury to heal.

What should I look for after stepping on a nail?

When to See a Healthcare ProviderThe puncture wound is large or deep, even if it's not bleeding a lot.The nail that caused the puncture wound is rusty.The nail is stuck in your foot (do not remove it yourself).The wound looks infected, such as warmth and redness, swelling, a red streak, or pus in the area.More items...•

How long does it take for tetanus to set in after stepping on a nail?

The onset of tetanus usually begins between three days and three weeks after an injury. Symptoms include muscle pain, muscle spasms, difficulty breathing and difficulty swallowing.

Do you need a tetanus if you step on a nail?

You may need a tetanus vaccine if the injury has broken your skin and your tetanus vaccinations are not up to date. Tetanus is a serious but rare condition that can be fatal if untreated. The bacteria that can cause tetanus can enter your body through a wound or cut in your skin.

Do I need to go to the doctor if I step on a nail?

The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons suggest that people seek medical help within 24 hours after they step on a nail. Stepping on a nail can push debris and bacteria into the foot. Even if a person cleans the wound thoroughly at home, or the wound looks small, there is still a risk of infection.

What are signs of infection after stepping on a nail?

If a puncture wound is left untreated, it can lead to infection. The infection may cause redness, swelling, and pus. It can also cause fever and joint pain. In severe cases, the infection can spread to the bloodstream and become life-threatening.

How fast do symptoms of tetanus appear?

The spasms can be so powerful that they tear the muscles or cause fractures of the spine. The time between infection and the first sign of symptoms is about 7 to 21 days. Most cases of tetanus in the United States occur in those who have not been vaccinated against the disease.

How do you tell if you are developing tetanus?

SymptomsPainful muscle spasms and stiff, immovable muscles (muscle rigidity) in your jaw.Tension of muscles around your lips, sometimes producing a persistent grin.Painful spasms and rigidity in your neck muscles.Difficulty swallowing.Rigid abdominal muscles.

Can you tell if you have tetanus from the wound?

You should suspect tetanus if a cut or wound is followed by one or more of these symptoms: Stiffness of the neck, jaw, and other muscles, often accompanied by a sneering, grinning expression. Difficulty swallowing. Fever.

Can you get tetanus from a small puncture wound?

Tetanus bacteria are more likely to infect certain breaks in the skin. These include: Wounds contaminated with dirt, feces (poop), or saliva (spit) Puncture wounds (wounds caused by an object, like a nail or needle, breaking the skin)

Can you get tetanus from a small puncture?

You catch it through a cut or wound that becomes infected with tetanus bacteria. The bacteria can get in through even a tiny pinprick or scratch, but deep puncture wounds or cuts – such as those made by nails, knives, or barbed-wire – are especially at risk of infection with tetanus.

Do all nails carry tetanus?

Rust doesn't cause tetanus, but stepping on a nail might if you're not immunized. In fact, any damage to the skin, even burns and blisters, allows tetanus-causing bacteria to enter the body. Tetanus is not as common as it once was....Protect with Tetanus-diphtheria (Td) Shots.ShotWhenBoostersEvery 10 years3 more rows•Apr 10, 1997

How do you know if you need a tetanus shot?

You will need a tetanus shot if: Your wound was caused by something that was clean and your last tetanus shot was longer than 10 years ago. Your wound was caused by something that was dirty and your last tetanus shot was longer than 5 years ago.

How long does it take for tetanus symptoms to show?

The spasms can be so powerful that they tear the muscles or cause fractures of the spine. The time between infection and the first sign of symptoms is about 7 to 21 days. Most cases of tetanus in the United States occur in those who have not been vaccinated against the disease.

What is tetanus caused by?

Tetanus is an infection caused by a bacterium called Clostridium tetani. Spores of tetanus bacteria are everywhere in the environment, including soil, dust, and manure. The spores develop into bacteria when they enter the body. Unlike other vaccine-preventable diseases, tetanus is not spread from person to person.

How long after stepping on a nail should you go to the doctor?

First aid after stepping on a nail. Share on Pinterest. People should visit a doctor within 24 hours of stepping on a nail in order to minimize the risk of tetanus or other infection. If someone steps on a nail, they should take the following steps to clean and dress the wound: Thoroughly wash the hands with soap.

What does it mean when you step on a nail?

Stepping on a nail causes a puncture wound, which often looks like a small hole in the foot. It may not bleed as much as a cut, but due to the risk of infection, this type of wound often requires medical attention.

How long does it take for a person to get tetanus after a nail injury?

Someone may not develop tetanus symptoms for up to 60 days after an injury. If someone has these symptoms after they step on a nail, they should dial the emergency number 911.

How long after stepping on a nail should you get medical attention?

When to get medical help. The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons suggest that people seek medical help within 24 hours after they step on a nail. Stepping on a nail can push debris and bacteria into the foot.

How many people have nail infections?

Clinicians estimate that 10% of people who step on a nail will develop an infection. Signs of an infection include:

What to do if you have a wound on your arm?

Apply antiseptic, antibiotic ointment, or both to the wound area if available.

Can you get tetanus from stepping on a nail?

Stepping on a nail can spread this bacteria to humans. Wounds are the most common way people get tetanus. However, widespread vaccination has reduced tetanus infection in the United States by 99% since 1947, according to the U. S. Department of Health & Human Services.

What is the best way to keep a wound clean?

Cover the wound. Bandages help keep the wound clean.

How to stop bleeding from a puncture wound?

But these wounds are often deep and can be dangerous because of the risk of infection. To take care of a puncture wound: Wash your hands. This helps prevent infection. Stop the bleeding. Apply gentle pressure with a clean bandage or cloth.

How to treat a swollen ear with antibiotics?

Apply an antibiotic. Apply a thin layer of an antibiotic cream or ointment (Neosporin, Polysporin). For the first two days, rewash the area and reapply the antibiotic when you change the dressing.

Why do you need to clean your nails?

To prevent infection and illness, cleaning the wound is essential. Failing to clean it properly may result in you needing to receive a tetanus shot.

What to use after a puncture wound?

After you’ve insured that the wound is clean, keep it that way by applying an antibiotic ointment. This will protect the puncture wound and prevent infection throughout the day. Some great and affordable options are Nesporin, Terrasil, and Betadine.

How Do You Know if a Puncture Wound is Infected?

Any time the skin is broken there is a risk of infection. And because nail puncture wounds are usually deep, you want to be careful. Potential complications include bone infection, tetanus, and gangrene. Here are some signs that a wound has become infected:

Can a nail hurt your foot?

Stepping on a nail is a surprising and painful experience. If the nail is particularly sharp and angled upright, it can puncture a hole deep in the sole of your foot. Not only will this make moving around difficult, but it can cause potentially harmful complications. Proper care immediately following the injury is essential to prevent complications and excessive bleeding. Keep reading to learn more about the appropriate at-home care for a nail in foot, the potential dangers, and when you should see a doctor.

Can you wash your hands after stepping on a nail?

It may be tempting to jump right in and start touching the wound, but you need to wash your hands first. Odds are that you aren’t indoors if you’ve stepped on a nail, which means your hands are probably covered in germs. The last thing you want is to cause an infection while trying to care for the injury, so take the time to complete this first step. And if soap and water are not readily available, hand sanitizer will do in a pinch!

Can you treat a wound at home?

Time is of the essence with this kind of injury, but depending on its severity, you may be able to treat yourself at home. If your wound isn’t particularly deep or large, follow our steps listed below:

Do nail punctures bleed?

Not all nail punctures bleed, but if yours does, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth to encourage clotting. Be wary about applying too much pressure though, as this can cause excessive bleeding and pain.

What to do if your foot is swollen?

Nail: If your foot is already swollen seek medical assistance right away . don't spend your time on a computer asking questions - see your podiatrist on an emergency call or go to the emergency room . Do not de lay

How to treat a bone fracture?

Get it checked!: Wash the injured area with soap and water and apply a topical antibiotic ointment. Then you should call your podiatrist. An x-ray is needed to see if there is any injury to bone and to make sure it is not infected. You also need to consider a tetanus shot if yours are not up to date.

How to treat a scab wound?

The first steps should be to clean the wound with soap and water. Use an antibiotic cream and keep the wound covered with a bandage until it scabs over. Remember to change the dressing daily or it becomes wet or dirty, and seek care if the wound is getting more red or painful, or if you have other concerns.

Can you get tetanus from a nail?

Puncture wounds from objects like nails and bites are most susceptible to infection with tetanus. However, you can also get tetanus from any exposure to soil, including minor cuts, scrapes, and burns, and sometimes with no injury at all.

How Is A Puncture Wound in My Foot Treated?

Many people will attempt to treat small puncture wounds by themselves by disinfecting with alcohol or hydrogen peroxide and bandaging the wound. These attempts can sometimes be successful, but the risk of infection is always cause for concern, especially if the injured person suffers from diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, or peripheral vascular disease (according to Podiatry Today magazine). Underlying diabetes, in particular, may be reason for hospital admission.

What causes a puncture wound in the foot?

The most common cause of a puncture wound in the foot is stepping on a nail —in fact, 98 percent of such injuries are acquired in this manner, although animal bites or stings can also cause foot punctures.

What happens if you puncture your foot?

Potential Complications of Foot Puncture Wounds. If a puncture wound is not properly disinfected, infection (usually cellulitis caused by streptococcus or staphylococcus bacteria) may result; this happens in about 15 percent of all foot punctures. Punctures are harder to clean than lacerations or scrapes, which is why a trip to ...

Why do people get puncture wounds on their feet?

Because nails and similar sharp or pointed objects are so often the cause, most foot puncture injuries occur on the sole of the foot. Needless to say, a high percentage of foot puncture wounds occur to people who are barefoot, often outdoors, at the time of the injury.

How to stop bleeding from a wound?

Apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth in order to stop the bleeding, and wash the wound with clean water. If necessary, use tweezers to remove the object that has caused the wound. Apply an antibiotic ointment to the wound (most first-aid kits contain one), and bandage it to keep bacteria from entering.

Can a small foot puncture wound be infected?

In some cases there is nothing wrong with this approach—one doesn’t go to the doctor with every little scratch—but it’s important to know that even small foot puncture wounds can become infected if bacteria are introduced into the wound, and infection can lead to much more serious problems.

Common Ways Tetanus Gets Into Your Body

Stepping on nails or other sharp objects is one way people are exposed to the bacteria that cause tetanus. These bacteria are in the environment and get into the body through breaks in the skin.

Other Ways Tetanus Gets Into Your Body

Tetanus bacteria can also infect the body through breaks in the skin caused by:

Time from Exposure to Illness

The incubation period — time from exposure to illness — is usually between 3 and 21 days (average 10 days). However, it may range from one day to several months, depending on the kind of wound. Most cases occur within 14 days. In general, doctors see shorter incubation periods with: