it is more than 5 years since your last tetanus shot and there was dirt in in the cut or abrasion, or the cut is deep.you have had fewer than 3 tetanus immunisations in your lifetime, or you’re not sure how many you’ve had.it is more than 10 years since your last tetanus shot or you can’t remember when you last had a tetanus shot.See a doctor or nurse for a tetanus immunisation within a day if you (or any injured person) have had a cut or abrasion and any of the following apply: if the wound is in an area that’s difficult to dress (such as the scalp), concentrate on keeping the area clean and dry.keeping the wound covered keeps it moist which helps it to heal.
#Cut fingers with staples skin
antiseptic creams are not necessary and may delay healing.clean the wound by rinsing it with clean water and picking out any dirt or debris with tweezers.wash your hands well before cleaning the wound.stop any bleeding by holding a clean cloth or bandage on it and apply firm light pressure.You can look after most minor cuts and wounds yourself, by following these steps you have a wound that’s not healing or is very slow to healĬHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS - Use the wounds Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.you’re not sure whether you’re up to date with your tetanus shots.the wound is contaminated with soil or saliva, or was sustained in dirty water.the wound is from a bite, whether by an animal or another human.you notice changes around the wound, such as spreading redness, increasing pain, tenderness or swelling, or it starts oozing pus.the wound is in or near your eye or is on your eyelid and is not shallow.These may need to be closed with stitches, tissue glue or staples the wound is more than a few millimetres deep and/or the sides of the cut don’t sit together well by themselves (i.e.
Related information on Australian websitesĪ wound is a break or damage to the skin surface.What are the possible complications of wounds?.If you have a serious wound with bleeding, a broken bone, a serious burn, a significant head injury or an injury from a fall, call an ambulance on triple zero (000).