What does fact checked mean?
At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
What Are the Dangers of Rust in Cuts?
**Rust is a flaky substance called ferric oxide that corrodes and destroys metal items as a result of oxidation, especially in salty or wet conditions.
** Rust by itself is not dangerous but if someone steps on a rusty nail or cut by a rusty item, it can be fatal.
Minor infection of the wound is the least of the injured person's worries 5. The threat of tetanus or even gangrene is the worst 6.
Proper Wound Care
Any rust wound not properly cared for can become infected. Puncture wounds are particularly vulnerable, because they are likely to leave rust residue in a wound tract that may not be noticed encouraging infection 5. Often the rust acts as a wooden splinter would and works its way out of the skin. Other times it remains in the wound and contributes to infection 5. Proper wound care after injury varies depending on the size of the injury. If it is small washing with soap and treating with antibacterial ointment and a bandage may be all it needs to heal.
Larger wounds should be seen by a physician as they may require debridement (removal of dirt, rust or other contaminants) or even sutures. Physician assistance is required if the injured person has not received a tetanus shot or booster within the last five years.
- Any rust wound not properly cared for can become infected.
- Larger wounds should be seen by a physician as they may require debridement (removal of dirt, rust or other contaminants) or even sutures.
Simple Infection from a Rusty Cut
Amputation Due to Cellulitis
Learn More
Simple infection of a rusty wound is evident even to the casual observer 5. The tissue around the wound becomes red, swollen and inflamed. Pain increases and the presence of a thick white fluid called pus may be noticed.
Some with an infected wound will maintain a low-grade temperature and feel fatigued. A quick trip to a physician or emergency room is needed.
The wound will need to be re-treated and the patient prescribed oral antibiotics. Infections left untreated only get worse. At this point, the physician will again suggest a tetanus shot if the patient has not had one.
- Simple infection of a rusty wound is evident even to the casual observer 5.
- At this point, the physician will again suggest a tetanus shot if the patient has not had one.
Serious Infection from Rusty Cuts
Once a rusty wound has become infected and left untreated, the infection worsens 5. An ignored infection will produce a high fever, pus production increases and is accompanied by a foul smell. Lymph nodes will swell and wound pain will be almost unbearable. An emergency room visit is essential now as the usual broad spectrum, oral antibiotic treatment may not work. It may even be necessary for the injured person to be hospitalized and intravenous antibiotic therapy started. The wound itself will need further debridement and may require a drain to be inserted for pus drainage.
Ignoring the infection by not seeking medical attention will ultimately result in tissue death, called gangrene 6. Gangrene is a complication of uncontrolled infection that destroys tissue 6. In addition to hospitalization and aggressive antibiotic therapy, possible amputation of the affected areas may now be required. If the infection has invaded the blood, septicemia, a full body bacterial infection could result in death for the person with the rusty cut or puncture 2.
- Once a rusty wound has become infected and left untreated, the infection worsens 5.
- The wound itself will need further debridement and may require a drain to be inserted for pus drainage.
Tetanus and Rusty Cuts
Antibiotics for a Puncture Wound
Learn More
In spite of popular belief, almost any puncture or injury can cause tetanus, but tetanus is often connected to rusty cuts. Tetanus is a severe bacterial infection, caused by Clostridium tetani introduced to the body through a cut or puncture. Tetanus symptoms can begin from two weeks to two months after the rusty cut. Symptoms include headache and jaw muscle spasms, giving the infection the label, "lock jaw." As the toxin spreads through the body it quickly involves spasms in more muscles such as neck, limbs and stomach. **It also can cause severe convulsions.
** People who contract tetanus usually will need to spend several weeks in the hospital as recovery is gradual. Tetanus, which was once widespread, is now rare since a vaccine was created in the 1940s. In the United States, the death rate for tetanus is 3 out of every 10, mostly in people who are underimmunized or not immunized. Tetanus continues to be common in undeveloped countries lacking proper medical care.
- In spite of popular belief, almost any puncture or injury can cause tetanus, but tetanus is often connected to rusty cuts.
- Tetanus continues to be common in undeveloped countries lacking proper medical care.
Related Articles
References
- Environment Health and Safety Online: Tetanus and a Rusty Nail
- Medline Plus: Septicemia
- Medicine Net: Cuts Scrapes and Puncture Wounds
- US Health Works: Rusty Nails, Dirty Wounds and Tetanus
- Drugs.com: Wound Infection
- RX Med: Gangrene
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Tetanus For Clinicians. Updated February 28, 2019.
- Stamelou M, Lai SC, Aggarwal A, et al. Dystonic opisthotonus: a "red flag" for neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation syndromes? Mov Disord. 2013;28(10):1325-9. doi:10.1002/mds.25490
- Centers of Disease Control. Tetanus Symptoms and Complications. Updated February 28, 2019.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases - Tetanus. Updated April 15, 2019.
- Thwaites C. Botulism and tetanus. Medicine. 2017;45(12):739-742. doi:10.1016/j.mpmed.2017.09.004.
- Collins S, White J, Ramsay M, Amirthalingam G. The importance of tetanus risk assessment during wound management. IDCases. 2015;2(1):3-5. doi:10.1016/j.idcr.2014.11.003.
- Beeching NJ, Crowcroft NS. Tetanus in injecting drug users. BMJ. 2005;330(7485):208–209. doi:10.1136/bmj.330.7485.208
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Manual for the Surveillance of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Chapter 16: Tetanus. Update November 17, 2017.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Tetanus For Clinicians. Updated February 28, 2019.
- Merck Manual Professional Version. Tetanus. Updated September 2019.
- Rodrigo C, Fernando D, Rajapakse S. Pharmacological management of tetanus: an evidence-based review. Crit Care. 2014;18(2):217. doi:10.1186/cc13797
- Centers for Disease Control. Surveillance. Updated February 28, 2019.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2019 Recommended Vaccinations for Children (7-18 Years Old) Parent-Friendly Format. Updated February 5, 2019.
- Donken R, van der Maas N, Swaan C, et al. The use of tetanus post-exposure prophylaxis guidelines by general practitioners and emergency departments in the Netherlands: a cross-sectional questionnaire study. BMC Fam Pract. 2014;15:112. doi:10.1186/1471-2296-15-112