Can i get tetanus from a small cut

Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Section Navigation.

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Causes and Transmission. Minus Related Pages. Related Links. Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. Wash the scrape with soap and water. Gently scrub out any dirt with a washcloth. Apply an antibiotic ointment, covered by a gauze dressing.

Change daily. Another option is to use a Liquid Skin Bandage that only needs to be applied once. Avoid ointments with this. Bruise on Thigh 1 Day Old This bruise is one day old. Bruising occurs when the blood vessels burst and cause blood to collect in the tissue. Abrasion on Elbow This picture shows a shallow scrape on the left elbow. Wash the area with soap and water. Apply an antibiotic ointment, covered by an adhesive bandage or dressing. Laceration - Scalp This scalp cut laceration is gaping open.

First Aid Care Advice: Apply direct pressure for 10 minutes to stop any bleeding. Wash the cut with soap and water. Seek treatment. Scratches from a Cat The photo shows parallel scratches on the wrist caused by a cat. You may need a tetanus jab if the injury has broken your skin and your tetanus vaccinations aren't 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. They're often found in soil and manure. You may need additional treatment for a serious or dirty wound that's considered to be tetanus-prone. Tetanus vaccination is given as part of the NHS childhood vaccination programme against tetanus.

But if you're not sure how many doses you have received, you may need a booster dose after an injury that breaks your skin.