Whether tetanus is required for a rusty iron scratch needs to be decided on the basis of the specific circumstances of the wound, mainly on the basis of whether there is bleeding, oozing, cracking of the skin, and so on.
1. If the wound is only slightly scratched by rusty iron, only abrasion, without bleeding, oozing, etc., and is well treated with active disinfection, tetanus is usually not necessary.
2. If the scratch bleeds, oozes, or even the skin is cracked and the deep muscle tissue is exposed, then tetanus should be considered, and not only tetanus, but also a thorough debridement should be carried out in a timely manner in the hospital to remove any residual dirt, iron filings, etc., from the tissue.
After being scratched by rusty iron, it is recommended to rush to the hospital for standardized treatment after briefly treating the wound, so as to avoid serious infections and other negative consequences.