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Is A Tetanus Shot Necessary For A Sliver Cut On The Thumb?

Posted on Tue, 3 May 2016

Question: do i need a tetanus shot for a sliver cut on my thumb from a rusty key also there was a sliver of peeling skin there was no bleeding and do not know when i had my last tetanus shot it was ten years ago i know that so do i need one for this or not

Answered by Dr. Abhijit Sonawane (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
If no blood contact then not required.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting in HCM.
Usually if there is blood oozing due to any metal injury or especially rusted metal we do recommend tetanus injection.
But as you mentioned it was just skin peeling and no blood came out it won't be necessary.
But again as you said it had been more than 10 years you have taken tetanus injection, I see no trouble in taking one now as it will be protective in further coming years.
I am recommending it only for future prevention and not for this incident. This event would not require any tetanus injection.
I hope I have answered your query well.
if you have any questions kindly ask me back will be happy to answer them.
Thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Abhijit Sonawane (25 minutes later)

so i should be fine there is a sliver of redness under the skin where the sliver of skin was peeled off is this normal

Answered by Dr. Abhijit Sonawane (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
yes. its just underneath raw and new skin

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for following up with me.
Yes you would be fine as its just underneath raw and new skin. No blood by injury then nothing to be worried about.
Take care.
Hope this advice helps.
Any further questions are welcome.
Thank you

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad