Is My Foot Infected Or To Early To Say

[RATTER15]

At about 12.00 midday today I stood on a nail, it wasn't rusty but dirty, I think it penetrated fairly deep into my foot. I washed it out immediately and then went to A&E where they cleaned the surface and put an iodine dressing on it.
It is now very painful, red, very warm to the touch and quite swollen. Is it too early to say its infected?

[Rosetta]

Sorry Ratter, sounds like its infected to me. Off to the docs methinks. Is your tetanus up to date?

[Milvus]

From my experience R, I had a similar case which ended up with two separate infections needing antibiotics (red lines going up the lower leg). If you aren't sure get A&E to check it again.

[RATTER15]

Tetanus all sorted I think, I have had many over the years, apparently I don't need any more.

[RATTER15]

I think I may go back in the morning and have it checked.

[Buenchico]

Yes, it's infected. (Classic symptoms!)

While doctors tend to 'play safe' and give people anti-tetanus jabs, the bacterium that causes tetanus is actually soil-born so, if the nail hasn't been in the ground the chances of getting tetanus are almost nil anyway. However you'll almost certainly be given antibiotics. (If my own experiences of foot infections are anything to go by, you'll probably need at least two, and possibly three, full courses before the infection completely clears).

[237SJ]

I would probably leave it for 48 hours and then see what is happening.

[Rosetta]

good idea, you may need antibiotics. Do you have a walk in centre near you, or what is your out of hours GP cover

[brenda]

Infected, Ratter ,so sorry . Back tomorrow to A&E. need antibiotics and dressings for after care. All the best. Brenda.

[ChillDoubt]

I'd go with 237SJ, leave it 48 hours. You've had a puncture wound, it'll look a it red and angry for a day or two regardless. Hope it's better soon, should be.

[ChillDoubt]

Bit red, not it. Bloody tablet!

[woofgang]

yes, I’d go back in the morning. My job share partner at work, young, fit healthy, sliced her foot with a piece of flowerpot, She decided it was only a small wound and nothing to worry about and ended up with cellulitis and a month off work with her leg elevated and a foot that looked like nothing on earth.

[RATTER15]

I went back to the hospital today and my foot is infected, I have to go back in the morning for crags and picked up antibiotics.

[brenda]

Hope it is not too painful at the moment, best of luck tomorrow. Sincerely Brenda.