Is this a tetnus risk? (cringe warning)

[SunshineJ]

From what I've read here, I'm thinking not, but I know you ladies are much more knowledgable about this than I currently am.

Today I pulled a completely stupid bonehead move - and I know I did. I was trying to cut open one of those tough priority mail envelopes and was holding everything the "wrong" way and promptly stabbed my hand with the scissors. It's not a large wound, maybe enough for 1 stitch if someone were really determined, about 1/4 inch deep maybe and on the muscle edge right between the first finger and thumb. The scissors were relatively clean, I immediately rinsed it under cold water, made sure it bled appropriately vs staying "imploded" and bandaged it with neosporin. Although it's in a bad place and I could tell the ligament or something was probably nicked, I have full functionality of all digits, etc., so I'm pretty sure it's ok not to seek medical attention at this time for nerve damage, etc. Since the scissors were exposed to air and I made sure it cleaned itself out am I correct in thinking I should be fine from a tetnus perspective?

Thanks!
K.

[mamakay]

Yeah, you're fine.
I'd flush it with hydrogen peroxide once or twice just to be super sure, but even without that, you're fine.

[murphysaangel]

Tetanus is a bacteria that is mainly found in the intestines and manure of horses. Honestly unless that [air of scissors was lying in some dirty barn from 60 years ago, you're fine. Tetanus is only used to scare people, nowadays!

[spero]

Originally Posted by mamakay

Yeah, you're fine.
I'd flush it with hydrogen peroxide once or twice just to be super sure, but even without that, you're fine.

:

[peainthepod]

Totally fine, IMHO. The wound bled, you cleaned it promptly, and it's very unlikely that tetanus spores would be coating a pair of clean metal scissors kept indoors and constantly exposed to fresh air. Sorry about your hand, though--that must really hurt!

[SunshineJ]

Thanks everyone! I was pretty sure that was the case, but it's always good to get a little reassurance. Of course the sites I looked at about tetnus were heavy into the scare tactics, so I started second guessing myself. I was pretty sure I was in the clear though! Looking at it today it probably could've used a stitch or two, but even so seems to be healing ok.