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Hair Trimmers Risk
Dear members,
What is the possible HIV risk from a cut with trimmer during haircut? I went to the barbershop in California for a haircut and the barber used trimmers to clean the edges of my hair. He scratched me in the neck area and I'm worried this could lead to HIV infection given that he didn't sanitize the clippers between clients. I checked the clippers and I have not seen blood on it. I was wondering if there is a potential infection route from this incident and what's the literature view on it.
I have a rash on my hands as of the 5th week after exposure. Is this indicative of seroconversion? When should I test?
What is the possible HIV risk from a cut with trimmer during haircut? I went to the barbershop in California for a haircut and the barber used trimmers to clean the edges of my hair. He scratched me in the neck area and I'm worried this could lead to HIV infection given that he didn't sanitize the clippers between clients. I checked the clippers and I have not seen blood on it. I was wondering if there is a potential infection route from this incident and what's the literature view on it.
I have a rash on my hands as of the 5th week after exposure. Is this indicative of seroconversion? When should I test?
COMMUNITY LEADER
The only risks for HIV in adults are:
1) Having unprotected (no condom) penetrative anal or vaginal sex, OR
2) Sharing IV drug equipment with other IV drug users.
As you can see, getting scratched by barbershop trimmers is not on this list. I don't know what is causing the rash on your palms, but that isn't an HIV symptom at all, and you could not possibly have HIV symptoms since you had no risk for HIV.
When should you test? NEVER. You didn't have a risk.
1) Having unprotected (no condom) penetrative anal or vaginal sex, OR
2) Sharing IV drug equipment with other IV drug users.
As you can see, getting scratched by barbershop trimmers is not on this list. I don't know what is causing the rash on your palms, but that isn't an HIV symptom at all, and you could not possibly have HIV symptoms since you had no risk for HIV.
When should you test? NEVER. You didn't have a risk.
2 Comments
Thank you for the helpful response. I suspect my rash is due to some insect bites as that would make more sense. Regarding the HIV risk, is it simply NONEXSISTENT or low risk but still possible?
"no risk" means that the risk does not exist. If I had meant "low risk" I would have said that instead of "no risk."
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