But counter to what rusty nail warnings might have you believe, the disease has nothing to do with iron oxide, the chemical compound more commonly known as rust.
Rather, tetanus is a product of the bacteria Clostridium tetani , which is in dirt, dust, and feces—in other words, everywhere.
It can enter your body through puncture wounds, yes, but also through superficial cuts, bug bites, surgical procedures, and any other rupture to your skin. It can come from stepping on a rusty nail, or tending the soil in your garden. This incubation period , which lasts between three and 21 days, according to the CDC, is symptom free. But as the bacteria begin to die inside you, they form a neurotoxin that attacks the nervous system.
Specifically, it inhibits the chemical GABA , which regulates muscle contractions. The result is a body-wide state of tension, from lockjaw in your face to uncontrollable arching spasms in your back to permanently-curled toes. Iron oxide is basically harmless to the human body; millions of people drink water transported by rusty iron pipes with no health effects. Or, as Esther Inglis-Arkell argued on the site i09, it has something to do with the anaerobic environment in which the tetanus-causing Clostridium tetani bacteria thrives.
They may contain chemicals that could be potentially harmful to your skin. To get rust off your skin, you will need salt and an acidic liquid, such as vinegar or lemon juice. Then follow the steps outlined below.
Tetanus is an infection caused by Clostridium tetani, bacteria found in organic matter, such as soil and manure. These bacteria can enter your body through broken skin from:. Stepping on a rusty nail is a commonly cited way of getting tetanus.
In addition, rusty objects and tetanus-causing bacteria tend to be found in similar environments, like:. Metal objects that are left to rust in natural environments are also likely to collect tetanus-causing bacteria.
These objects can include things like nails, knives, and gardening tools. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tetanus causes death in approximately 11 percent of people who contract the infection.
Today, most children and adults in the United States are protected by the tetanus vaccine. To maintain immunity against tetanus, you need a booster shot every 10 years or so. Wounds caused by objects contaminated with Clostridium bacteria are the most common cause of tetanus. Tetanus-causing bacteria can enter your body through any tear in your skin.
You may be at risk of contracting tetanus if you have:. If you've stepped on a nail, it can be a painful experience. Depending on the severity of the injury, the nail can puncture a hole in the sole of your…. Tetanus, also called Lockjaw, is a serious bacterial infection that affects the nervous system and causes muscles throughout the body to tighten.
Share this on: Updated January 12, As you spend time in the great outdoors, you should be aware of the risks of contracting tetanus. Never Miss a Beat! Tap Click to Join! I understand that I may opt out of receiving such communications at any time. Thank you for subscribing! Message and data rates may apply.
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