If you step on a rusty nail, it is important to take immediate action to prevent complications like tetanus, a serious bacterial infection. Here are the steps you should take:
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Wash your hands: This helps prevent infection.
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Stop the bleeding: Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth to slow the bleeding.
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Clean the wound: Rinse the injury with clean water for about 5 to 10 minutes to remove dirt and any loose debris. If there is debris in the wound, disinfect some tweezers with rubbing alcohol and use them to remove as much as possible.
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Apply antibiotic cream: Apply antibiotic ointment or cream to the wound area if available. This will help prevent infection.
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Cover the wound: Dress the wound with a clean bandage.
If the nail or wound was dirty or the puncture is deep, you should see your doctor or visit urgent care. They’ll likely give you a tetanus booster shot if you haven’t had one in the past 5 years. After cleaning and applying antibiotic ointment, monitor the wound over the next couple of days for signs of complications. A skin infection can develop as early as two days after stepping on a nail. If the injury causes a joint or bone infection, symptoms can appear within 14 days after the injury. Signs of an infection include increased soreness, warmth and redness, swelling, discharge from the wound, fever, or chills.
