Tetanus Treatment

Self-Care at Home

• Any wound that results in a break in the skin should be cleaned with soap and running water.

• All open wounds are at risk to get tetanus . Wounds from objects outdoors or crush injuries are at higher risk.

• Apply a clean and dry cloth to stop or minimize bleeding.

• Apply direct pressure to the site of bleeding to help minimize blood loss.

Medical Treatment

• Antibiotics and antitoxin to kill the bacteria and the toxin

• Wound cleansing to remove any obvious bacteria collections (abscesses) or foreign bodies

• Supportive measures

• Pain medicine as needed

• Sedatives such as diazepam ( Valium) to control muscle spasms

• Ventilator support to help with breathing in the event of spasms of the vocal cords or the respiratory muscles

• IV rehydration because, as your muscles spasm constantly, increased metabolic demands are placed on your body