is the occurence of rashes around the wound site any symptom of tetanus? infact there was no cut, just a bruise and that too from outside a thin pyjama (no direct skin contact).

regards

Jimmy, the signs and symptoms of tetanus may appear anytime from a few days to several weeks after tetanus bacteria enter your body through a wound (not a bruise). the average incubation period is seven to eight days.

Common signs and symptoms of tetanus, in order of appearance, are:
Spasms and stiffness in your jaw muscles
Stiffness of your neck muscles
Difficulty swallowing
Stiffness of your abdominal muscles
Painful body spasms, lasting for several minutes, typically triggered by minor occurrences, such as a draft, loud noise, physical touch or light

Other signs and symptoms may include:
Fever
Sweating
Elevated blood pressure
Rapid heart rate

When to see a doctor
See your doctor to obtain a tetanus booster shot if you have a deep or dirty wound and you haven't had a booster shot within the past five years or aren't sure of your vaccination status. or see your doctor about a tetanus booster for any wound — especially if it may have been contaminated with dirt, animal feces or manure — if you haven't had a booster shot within the past 10 years or aren't sure of your vaccination status.

I don't think you can get it without a break in the skin. in fact, it's often associated with deeper puncture wounds, like stepping on a rusty nail. That's also because I think it's said the bacteria like that kind of environment. but it's not limited to that. I read that there was a case where someone got it just from shaving. After infection I believe the bacteria give off a toxin that causes serious muscular spasm, thus the old fashioned term for it, "lock jaw." if you're concerned you might see about getting a tetanus booster. I think they're good for about ten years.

One of my close friends, on occasion, experiences twitches throughout certain parts of the day or at particular places (ex. church, some periods at school, etc), and her neck muscles will stiffen. What does she probably have, and is it serious?

it's nothing. it's just randome muscle spasms. everyone gets it.

Not to worry to much, it should be just some muscle spasms. however, if her condition worsens, do ask her to go for some physiotherapy