Could I be infected with tetanus after using a small piece of metal eyeglass frame to hold my ear holes open?

by Symptom Advice on March 8, 2011

I cut two small, 1 inch pieces of eyeglass frame that are about almost twice the diameter of normal earring posts to hold my ear holes open. I vigorously washed the little pieces in soap and water, then put them in peroxide. could I possibly get tetanus from this? what kills the tetanus bacteria? I haven't worn earring in a few years so my ear holes are really small, I'm just trying to keep them open. My right ear got so tight that it hurt a little getting it in, I think I had to break the skin to get in in there. I just did it like 30 minutes ago. no lockjaw, no muscle spasms, no symptoms, I'm just trying to be cautious.

It is possible. You wouldn't be in THAT much trouble since you used peroxide, but rubbing alcohol would have been a better choice.

If you really wanted to be cautious, you wouldn't have put them in there at all. There are professionals for that.

You PROBABLY won't get tetanus, but if you're going to use random pieces of metal to keep your ear holes open, you should get a tetanus vaccination. It's one small shot, relatively cheap (possibly free, ask your county health department), and it will protect you up to 10 years.

Tetanus bacteria spores are especially hardy, and infection can be fatal, so get the shot, and really try not to break your skin with improvised piercing equipment.

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