Can HIV Be Transmitted Through Touching An Open Wound?

Posted on Thu, 23 Feb 2017

Question: Hello,
My wife took my 4 years old daughter to the family doctor to remove 4 stitches. She said the doctor didn't disinfect the area, didn't wear gloves and he touched the scissors by his hands before using them on my daughter.
Now I am very worried that my daughter could get infected because of this poor practice.
Could you tell me what are the chance of HIV infection in this scenario?

Thanks for your help.

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No need to worry.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

Let me assure you that the mentioned acts do not increase the chances of HIV infection. The gloves would not matter as he is not touching the wound site directly and the scissors were possibly sterile anyway. So, there is nothing to worry.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Diptanshu Das (13 hours later)

Thank you for assurance, the problem is that we are not sure if the scissors were sterile as he walked to the room with the scissors are in his hand, so there is no way to know. again, I am just afraid that she may contract any infectious disease viruses.

Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (42 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No need to worry.

Detailed Answer:
I would insist you not to worry. Our immunity is strong enough to ward off infections. If you fall and get minor lacerations that does not mean that you need to be treated with antibiotics for the same. Your body would automatically ward off the pathogens. In case of suture removal, it is no more than minor lacerations and the body knows how to deal with it. You have nothing to worry.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad