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Suggest Treatment For Deep Wound On The Back
Question: Contacted an old nail, it scratched her back (about 3 inches). The area is more of a scratch, not puncture. It is red. I gently cleaned the area with alcohol and bandaged it. Should I do more? She is not running a fever, this happened about 18 hours ago. Last tetanus shot about 10 years ago.
Brief Answer:
Information about the wound:
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
The circumstances that are of concern for contracting Tetanus are wounds that are deep and especially if they are narrow. The spores that germinate the tetanus bacteria need an environment that does not have much oxygen - therefore puncture wounds as opposed to superficial scratches.
That said, the general recommendations for tetanus booster vaccines are every 10 years, and if there is a puncture wound then 5 years. Tetanus shots are effective if given within the 1st 72 hours of a puncture wound.
If the nail broke the skin, I'd suggest a tetanus booster.
About the wound being red - is it just the scratch itself that is red, or is the skin around it red? I wouldn't use anymore alcohol on it, but if the skin around it is starting to get red, put hot compresses on it several times a day. If the red area is growing extensively, then it is time to go in to be seen.
If just the wound itself is red, consider putting zinc oxide ointment on it (providing the wound isn't deep) as this is soothing and promotes wound healing.
Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Information about the wound:
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
The circumstances that are of concern for contracting Tetanus are wounds that are deep and especially if they are narrow. The spores that germinate the tetanus bacteria need an environment that does not have much oxygen - therefore puncture wounds as opposed to superficial scratches.
That said, the general recommendations for tetanus booster vaccines are every 10 years, and if there is a puncture wound then 5 years. Tetanus shots are effective if given within the 1st 72 hours of a puncture wound.
If the nail broke the skin, I'd suggest a tetanus booster.
About the wound being red - is it just the scratch itself that is red, or is the skin around it red? I wouldn't use anymore alcohol on it, but if the skin around it is starting to get red, put hot compresses on it several times a day. If the red area is growing extensively, then it is time to go in to be seen.
If just the wound itself is red, consider putting zinc oxide ointment on it (providing the wound isn't deep) as this is soothing and promotes wound healing.
Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
She is not in pain, although the area is tender. Wound appear to be multiple scratches, not deep punctures . Should I give her any NSAIDS? Thank you for your prompt response.
Brief Answer:
NSAIDs
Detailed Answer:
You can give NSAIDs such as ibuprofen if she is uncomfortable. She should make sure to have some food in her stomach before taking it to prevent any stomach irritation.
NSAIDs
Detailed Answer:
You can give NSAIDs such as ibuprofen if she is uncomfortable. She should make sure to have some food in her stomach before taking it to prevent any stomach irritation.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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