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I Was Recently Scratched By A Rusty Bar While Working

Posted on Mon, 27 Jul 2020

Question: I was recently scratched by a rusty bar while working out. It was sort of rusty in small parts and happened while i was doing squats. No deeper than a few mild cat scratches. I have had a tetanus shot within 10 years if not 5. Am I at risk?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
regarding tetnus shot

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to ask a doctor service. I have gone through your query and I have noted your concern.

Did the skin bleed?, If yes, then you should definitely get a Tetnus shot since it was from a rusted iron. Otherwise, if it was just a superficial scratch and didn't bleed then you don't need to take a tetnus shot.

Take care. Let me know if you need any more assitance

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Regarding a tetnus shot

Detailed Answer:
Hi. In that case, you should get a tetnus shot as soon as possible
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (6 minutes later)

It bled very slightly at the end of two of the scratches.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
regarding tetnus shot

Detailed Answer:
Hi, yes, 5 years is quite a bit of time and a tetnus shot now would boost your immune response, so that would ensure that you have enough of antibodies and antitoxins. Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng