I stepped on a nail and it went fairly deep. How can I make sure it doesn't get infected?

I've been soaking it in salt water, and I had a tetanus shot a few months ago. I can't afford to go to the doctor, so I really need an at home remedy. Thank you so much for your help!!I stepped on a nail and it went fairly deep. How can I make sure it doesn't get infected?
make sure you clean it right away with rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. Afterwars, put some Neosporin or any antibiotics on it along with a band aid. Check it every 5-6 hours and make sure its not too wet or soggy. If it is, dry up the wound with a clean paper towl, and re-apply the anitibotics and put a new bandaid. it should here pretty quickly. Take careI stepped on a nail and it went fairly deep. How can I make sure it doesn't get infected?
Amputation is the only way to prevent tetanis.
You really should go to the doctor. A friend of mine stepped on a nail and he tried soaking it, but it didn't do any good. It got infected and he ended up admitted into the hospital for a week. It made him very sick. Don't mess around with it. Go to the doc!
there is no at home remedy for that.
Put peroxide on it and keep it clean and wrapped until it heals. If the nail was dirty or rusty, you should go the the hospital anyway; just to make sure.
When you get a puncture wound it is hard for blood to come out so you have to squeeze it and make some blood come out, that will help it not get infected. Though you should have done that right away.
some of the advice you're getting on here SCARES ME!!!!





do NOT use bleach on your foot. this could cause chemical burns!! any food products is an absolute no-no as well (i saw someone mentioned honey-like the stickiness of that won't attract germs!!)





you really should be seen in the er (regardless of financial situation) so they can xray your foot to make sure you didn't do major nerve damage. they will more than likely give you a prescription for oral antibiotics to ward off any infection you might get. nails are dirty little things (even if they look clean on the surface)





infection can spread quickly and you could end up in the hospital before you know it-better to have it checked out. the er is not allowed to turn you away for not being able to pay and if you don't have insurance-they can help set you up with insurance through the state you live in.





you won't be able to know exactly how deep the puncture wound is w/out having it checked and if it's deep enough, salt saoks won't be effective
There is not a 100% sure thing. But keep it clean, use alcohol or other antiseptic solution; avoid steping on dirty, wear bandages to avoid contamination, do not wear shoes without clean socks . Keep it on check, if you see more redness and no improvment go to the hospital before is too late.





If the nail touched the bone, or if it was rusted or dirty, then you must go to the hospital even if you can't affod it; amputations are much more expensive.
go to the doctor
You must go to a clinic and get a tetnus shot. Perhaps the county health office can help you or refer you to a low cost clinic. Get a tetnus shot.





People are telling you to go to the ER, that will generate a huge bill, when what you really must have is a tetnus shot which you can get at a clinic or the local community health office.
You NEED to go in and get a tetanus shot otherwise you can get very sick, especially if it was rusty.
I understand that you can't afford a doctor bill but it is still very important that you get to one immediately.
Rinse with hydrogen peroxide. If it's deep, you really should go to the doctor. It might cost a few bucks, but a new foot is priceless.
You`ve already done what you needed to to. Don`t sweat it. You`ll be fine.
If it starts getting painful and turning into pretty colors don't be cheap and see a doc or it could get a lot worse.
clean it out. GO TO THE ER
peroxide will clean out the bacteria. Keep it very cleanand bandaged well to prevent dirt from gettin in there. Good Luck!
A honey and iodine mixture dabbed on and bandaged will heal it.
Dont use salt water soak in Cold water for some time, then apply some Lemon or Onion squeezed on the Nail . I warn you , u must be able to bare the pain that comes. It itches severly. Wait for sometime dont do anyting. Then wash it in Cold water after 2-3 mins. Then the pain will go. Dont do anything, This is just an ANtibiotic medicinal treatment. No germs will come in
Sounds like you have got the right idea. Keep it clean and maybe consider using a ';blister'; type bandage that is meant to stay on for days. I know that sounds icky (I still changed mine everyday), but I had a precancerous patch of skin removed and used one after and it healed fabulous! GOOD LUCK!
Wash it with pure soap and water, maybe try peroxide on it now and then, plus keep changing the bandage.





And go see a doc if possible. I don't know if you need another tetanus shot so soon, but it's good to get a medical professional's advice on this ASAP.
I hope the nail was clean and not rusted or anything like that 'cause if it was then you might be in trouble. Make sure you soak it with alcohol.
Step on a nail on the other foot for symmetry. If that doesn't work, try hiring your local hard-to-find Italian importers to give you a sponge bath and a phone plan.
if you have not had a tetanus shot in a long time you should got to the Dr right away. But you should go anyway just to make sure its OK.
Use peroxide and you can use like bleach but you have to add a lot of water