Will my cut get infected?

Two nights ago I stepped on a rusty nail and got about a half an inch long gash on my foot. I don't know how many layers of skin it cut through but I'm guessing more then just the first one. I got my tetnus booster last year, but I'm still afraid it could get infected. I was outside when I stepped on the nail and I didn't get a band aid on it until about a half an hour after I stepped on the cut, and I think I got some dirt in it. Now it still hurts and is kind of itchy around the cut when you touch it. Is there a chance it could get infected? What are the signs/symptoms of an infected cut? Thanks!

hi - there's definitely a chance that it could get infected, but it sounds unlikely.

i'd recommend irrigating the wound. you can buy antiseptic wash in a squeeze bottle that you can use to flush out the wound. if it's not too deep, you could just use soap and water or hydrogen peroxide. put on some antibiotic ointment and leave it exposed to the open air as much as possible. avoid alcohol wipes.

you can usually tell if a cut is infected by the redness and pain. if it develops a weird smell or starts to pus, it may be infected. if you're worried, use a pen to draw a circle around the redness. if the redness has expanded the next day, you probably have an infection developing. i'd see a doctor.

Redish around the cut area, fever, [If you get a fever you should go to the doctors immediatley] If the scap goes completely black. Those are most of the symptoms.


Best Of Wishes, Joey.

usually itching around a wound is the sign of healing. Soak the wound in a mixture of a gallon of hot water with 1/2 cup of epsom salt in it..then keep it clean and dry to avoid infection.

go to the doctor

dnt worry the cut being itchey is a good sign it means the cut cut is getting better ....did you put any anticeptic cream on it at the time? if you did great if not dont worry all you have to do is give it a good clean as best you can without hurting it with warm soapy water then make sure it is completely dry and put some anticeptic cream on it followed by a fresh band aid.Then it should be fine ....dnt worry about going to the docter the only reason you would need to is if the surrounding area of the cut was a deep angry looking red that is a sign of infection...but like i said the itchyness is a good thing dw bowt it im sure its fine..x