Getting HIV from Wounded hands

[AliHbin06]

Hi, I have eczema on my hands and that's why I have many scars on my hands. This morning I shook hands with one of my friends whose hand was also injured. If that person has HIV, can I get it from them?

[GuitarRox]

I always am surprised at the level of HIV knowledge out there about what would be a risk. Hands do not transmit HIV (if it did, think of how many people would have it). The only risks for HIV are to have unprotected vaginal or anal sex or to share IV drug needles. Air inactivates the virus. So you could never get HIV through a hand shake even if the other person was bleeding (if they wrote to us about the hand shake from their side of things, we'd tell them no risk as well.)  I would not assume your friends have HIV either.

[AliHbin06]

Thanks for answering!.
I'm just have anxiety and also confused because when I searched they said it can live on surfaces for several hours and it can live up to six days in dried blood.
The fact is I have anxiety so much.

[GuitarRox]

This isn't a matter of you being concerned about an actual risk since we've clearly stated you had none. This is a mental health moment you need to address. We can't and won't keep reassuring you as this will just make your anxiety worse. Talk to your doctor about anxiety treatment.

[grobick2000]

HIV is not transmitted through handshakes: that's something they teach at school, right?
Skin on your hands is quite thick and eczema patches don't make any difference. You are safe.

[AliHbin06]

Thanks for answering!.
But I also have some open scratches.
Any risks?

[GuitarRox]

disappointed you keep asking. We were clear