Wound + Tetanus

[Ahimsa]

My almost 6 year old cut his foot a few days ago on something in the woods (he couldn't tell me what.) The wound is in the crease of his big toe, about 1/2 to 3/4 in wide slice, it was deeper than your average cut, but not super deep. I initially cleaned it with water and betadine. Last night I noticed it was infected; it was red and swollen with pus. Tonight I noticed it is getting worse. My son has not been vaccinated, so should I be concerned about Tetanus?

[MissRubyandKen]

I'd worry much more about the infection that is present. I've never read of tetanus presenting with redness or pus at the site of the wound, but it isn't as though I've ever seen an actual tetanus case. With a 6 year old I'd be tempted to seek medical advice about the infection. But, if it were my child, and it's not, I'd try salt water soaks for a 24 hour period first, so long as there were no other symptoms, no fever, no streaking, etc. Have you checked to be sure the wound is free of debris? Is there any hanging skin, a flap? I always remove any debris and remove excess dead skin from wounds. This helps prevent infection and promote healing. Did the cut bleed? I've read tetanus is much more likely to happen with a wound that doesn't bleed, as it is anaerobic bacteria.

I once had a toenail become infected. It got bad rather quickly. I had a streak from my toe straight up to my ankle. I thought for sure I was going to have to go to the hospital. I did salt water soaks first and within 24 hours the streak disappeared and the infection was well on its way to clearing up. I took a foot bath and mixed quite a lot of salt with hot water, soaking for at least twenty minutes. After doing this a few times I saw dramatic improvement the following day upon waking.

Keep a very close eye on the wound and the child, whatever you decide to do. I hope he heals quickly!

[Ahimsa]

After reading some old treads, I am not too concerned about tetanus anymore. There is no streaking, just a quarter size pustule. I had cleaned the cut initially and it didn't look too bad, so I forgot about it. I think he must have gone bare foot again and got dirt into it. I see dirt in the cut, but it is covered by a pocket of pus. Is it appropriate to open the pustule to clean the wound?

[Marnica]

Originally Posted by Ahimsa

After reading some old treads, I am not too concerned about tetanus anymore. There is no streaking, just a quarter size pustule. I had cleaned the cut initially and it didn't look too bad, so I forgot about it. I think he must have gone bare foot again and got dirt into it. I see dirt in the cut, but it is covered by a pocket of pus. Is it appropriate to open the pustule to clean the wound?

That is what they would do if you took him to the doctor, so yes.

[Ahimsa]

After a few soaks with hot salt water, herbs, and tea tree oil, this morning it is considerably better. After researching it I decided to leave the pustule alone. I washed it a couple times with soap and water and was able to get most of the dirt out. I also put a mixture of raw honey and tea tree oil on after the soaks, and covered it with a band aide during the day, but left it uncovered overnight. The pustule opened and released on its own overnight and much of the swelling and redness has gone down.

[Marnica]

Originally Posted by Ahimsa

After a few soaks with hot salt water, herbs, and tea tree oil, this morning it is considerably better. After researching it I decided to leave the pustule alone. I washed it a couple times with soap and water and was able to get most of the dirt out. I also put a mixture of raw honey and tea tree oil on after the soaks, and covered it with a band aide during the day, but left it uncovered overnight. The pustule opened and released on its own overnight and much of the swelling and redness has gone down.

[MissRubyandKen]

Ahimsa- how is your son doing? Is the wound healing nicely now? If you can, please take the time to let us know.