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What Are The Chances Of HIV Transmission Through Skin Cuts?

Posted on Tue, 13 Oct 2015

Question: Hi, I went to the barber yesterday and noticed when I got home that his electric clippers gave me a very small cut behind the ear. I only noticed it because a tiny amount of blood had crusted over it. The scratch drew a minimal amount of blood. What is my risk for HIV, Hep C, or any other blood borne infection from this cut?

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Sunil Jangid (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
The risk of HIV or any other blood borne infection is very low in your case

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX

Welcome to HCM.

The survival of HIV virus outside the human body or in an open environment is very difficult and it will die within hours so the risk of getting HIV or any other blood borne infection is very less. Just be relaxed and don't worry much.

Thank You

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Sunil Jangid (9 minutes later)

Thanks you for your response. And just to be clear, there is also minimal risk for hepatitis C?

Answered by Dr. Sunil Jangid (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It is very minimal or you can consider it as negligible in your case.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX

The risk of Hepatitis C is also very minimal or you can consider it as negligible in this case so just be relaxed and move ahead in life happily.

Thank You

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina