Can Tetanus Be Contracted From Minor Cuts Under The Thumbnail?

Posted on Fri, 9 Mar 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 9 Mar 2018 Answered on

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : Hey doctor I cut my thumbnail where my nails at the top on a dirty ground which I have attached an image of they were only tiny cuts and I washed them with soap and water straight away but the cuts did bleed initially but it looks only like a minor cut. I attached an image of where I cut them as well but they are no longer bleeding what are the risks of things like tetanus etc I had the shots where I was younger at 4 and possibly at 14 years old too should I worry about it?

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (45 minutes later)

Brief Answer:

No risk of tetanus or any other disease

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

I have reviewed the attached photographs. There is no risk of tetanus or any other disease following this injury as it is very minor and inconspicuous. Don’t worry and relax.

Hope I have answered your query.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Asmeet Kaur Sawhney, Dermatologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana