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Puncture wounds to the foot are often caused by sharp objects such as pieces of glass or sharp metal; sharp objects such as nails or screws; and also from animal bites. In all these cases, the wounds can become dangerous if they are not treated immediately as they should, as they can lead to a serious infection.
In wounds that are penetrating there is a risk of contracting tetanus. The term “tetanus” derives from Greek and means “tight, tense,” because the infection leads to a series of muscle contractions throughout the body, starting with stiffening of the jaw. In general, tetanus is a dangerous disease. If it is not treated in time, it causes fever, muscles contract, breathing becomes difficult and the heart accelerates, with the risk of causing cardiac syncope, suffocation or suffocation.
There is a widespread idea about tetanus infection with rusty metals, however, wounds caused by rusty nails do not necessarily cause tetanus. Because it doesn't matter if the nail is rusty or not. It doesn't even matter if it's a nail. Tetanus can be caused by any sharp object. Although we will only suffer contagion if we find Clostridium tetani on the sharp object, a bacillus that survives outdoors in the form of tiny spores. Something similar to anthrax and that develops in the absence of oxygen, like deep wounds. Sometimes all it takes is the prick of a rose thorn, a poorly attended scratch, or a splinter.
In this situation we recommend:
Prevention
If the injury occurred at work, prevent it from happening again by wearing the appropriate safety footwear for your profession and the risks to which you are exposed. In the face of risks such as those mentioned, you should choose safety footwear that incorporates an anti-perforation sole, whether textile or metal. In this way the foot will be protected against sharp objects.
Visit to the doctor
A doctor will be able to assess the severity of the injury. Your blood may be tested or a sample taken for a culture to determine the cause of the infection. Tell him how you had it done so he can determine the best treatment.
Local treatment
Always keep the wound clean. Wash the area frequently with an antibacterial soap and then clean the wound with a good antiseptic, such as hydrogen peroxide. Once dry, keep the wound covered with the bandages indicated by the doctor. Follow the instructions your professional gives you regarding the frequency of changing the bandage.
Tetanus
In children, a reinforcement of the mixed vaccine is given within the Vaccination Schedule. In older people, antitetanus gamma globulin is recommended.
Pain relief
Puncture wounds to the foot can cause different levels of pain. Although this situation is not very common, if one of the main blood vessels in the foot is damaged you can suffer a lot of pain and bleeding. Bathe the injured foot in warm water at least twice a day for the first two days. Avoid contact of open wounds with hard surfaces until they have been bandaged. Avoid walking on the injured foot if you can, because any kind of pressure can increase the pain. If the pain or redness in the area increases, visit your doctor again because the wound may be infected.
Source: aeped.es| xatakaciencia.com