HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Can Herpes Or Hepatitis Be Contracted Through Usage Of Infected Razor?

Posted on Wed, 20 Sep 2017

Question: Is there any risk of infection from having my mustache trimmed at a barber shop? I worrry because the clippers touch my lips. Although the clippers didn't cut me I worry about having clippers that have been used on other customers so close to my mouth

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Possibility does exist, which is why prevention protocol is mandatory

Detailed Answer:
Hello Sir and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help.

You have a valid question there, but most infections do not last in the environment that prevails there.

But in a way you are right, a few infections can last and transmit from the commonly used apparatus at the barber store (e.g. hepatitis B and C, herpes, etc.). So, I would be more careful and request the barber to avoid bringing anything close to your lips.

But if the disease prevention protocol is followed by the barber by sterilizing and cleaning his instruments regularly and not reusing any blades, then these infections can easily be prevented.

I hope this helps. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I am always here to help.

Best wishes.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Shoaib Khan (1 hour later)

Would I only need to be worried if I were actually cut? This was not the case. I just didn't like having the clippers touch my lips or having hair fall in my mouth.

Thanks again. I've got a real issue with germs apparently. Always afraid I'm going to somehow catch a disease

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Some infections without a cut, most has to do with infected blood

Detailed Answer:
Hello once again sir.

It doesn't necessarily have to do with a cut in cases with infections like herpes, but the other infections like Hepatitis B and C have to be due to contact with an infected persons blood.

I should also let you know that this is extremely rare, and almost never happens as barbers pay strict attention to prevention of disease spread.

I hope this helps sir.

Best wishes.

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