How do you get tetanus from a burn?

Are you the type of person who gets easily spooked by the word “tetanus”? Do you think it’s just something that happens to rusty nails and not much else?
Well, hold on to your hats because today we’re going to talk about how tetanus can potentially wreak havoc on your life if you happen to get a burn.

What is tetanus?

Tetanus isn’t some sort of new-age exercise routine involving lots of shouting and sweating (although that does sound fun…). It’s actually a bacterial infection caused by Clostridium tetani, which enters wounds or burns through soil or any object contaminated with the bacteria. These bacteria produce toxins that attack the nervous system, leading to muscle stiffness and spasms, particularly in the jaw muscles – hence why it’s commonly referred to as “lockjaw.”

Symptoms

If these symptoms seem like they might be enjoyable for you – then this is definitely an article worth skipping! Common symptoms include: muscle stiffness and spasms, painful body cramps (sometimes lasting several minutes), fever and/or excessive sweating.

But what does this have anything to do with getting burnt?!

Burns: A gateway for Tetanus

First things first. Yes, burns can be one way for C. Tetani bacteria can enter the wound site; however, it usually depends on a number of factors such as severity/location/type/burnt substrate/etc.. In general though some ways are:

Puncture Wounds

These types of injuries most associated with tetanus lockjaw involve puncture wounds such as bites/stabs//pierces etc., although they may also occur from cuts/lacerations

Animal Bites/Scratches

Slimy cats/dogs/hedgehogs/kangaroos etcetera’s scratches or bites are terribly disgusting, but they also increase your risk for tetanus because – AARRGGHH! You’ll feel itchy all over or uncomfortable and/or that gnawing feeling (you never forget the struggle!)

Exposure to Untreated Wounds

As we explained earlier, Clostridium Tetani loves nothing more than an open wound/burn site in which to set up shop. If you have untreated wounds or if someone else’s injury hasn’t been treated immediately, you might be at increased risk.

Substance Burnt

is important as burn injuries from chemicals can cause deep tissue damage and expose underlying tissues/organs

How do I protect myself?

Phew! Enough about how awful this whole thing is, let’s get into some of the things you can do to avoid becoming a victim of tetanus :

Vaccination:

The best defense against tetanus if vaccinated by getting shots/travel-size vaccines/etc.

Proper First Aid:

Make sure to really take care of any open wounds using soap and water/toothpaste/whateverelsealso.

Oh also make completely sure there’s no dirt left in the wound otherwise helloooo tetanustown!

Keeping clean

Another tip? CLEAN YOURSELF UP. This way, should anything happen that leads to a cut/burn/puncture etc., then bacteria will have less chance since there’ll be less “gunk” contaminating your skin

Now while burns may not come with quite so much street cred as rusty nails – turns out still just as bad for reasons beyond charred skin… And thus concludes our discussion on ‘How Do You Get Tetanus From A Burn?’ Stay safe people!

(And maybe stay away from rusty nails too for good measure).