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Avatar universal

Just a little worried !!!!

Dear Doctor,
Something happened recently that has got me worried. Few days ago, I read a news story somewhere on teh internet that barbershops can spread infections like HIV, HCV or HBV. I have been getting a professional shave from a barber for teh last 7 years and never worried about this. But after reading the story I have been quite worried.
As far as I know razors are not considered a risk for blood borne infections cuz you need a deep cut to transmit infection not like the nicks and cuts while receiving a shave. National Aids Trust in UK doesnt even consider razors to be a risk http://www.hivaware.org.uk/be-aware/common-myths.php. For HCV, I read at CDC that even for HCP's only tranmission from needelstick is from hollow bore needles.
For HBV I am not sure. Some places it says it is quite likely to spread thru razors.
Most of teh paces I have read that HIV and HCV are not a concern from razors but for HBV, even a small amount is enough to spread infection.
My barber changes blades every time I get a shave but if there some blood left in the razor, is that minute level of blood enough to transmit anything. Normally there is always a gap of 4 to 5 mins between teh previuos guy and me. I belive that if any trace blood is left in the razor,, it would be dry and hence woudl not be a source of infection (right?).
And are there any other infections like syphilis or chlamydia or anything I need to be worried about.
In short, I am worried about blood borne infections from straight edge razor at barber shops by nicks and cuts recived during a shave.
I appreciate your reply to my concerns.
6 Responses
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Avatar universal
Thank you very much doctor. Now I can live in peace. God bless you.
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239123 tn?1267647614
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Yes.  Syphilis is the only STD that may be present in the bloodstream.
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Avatar universal
Thanks you very much for your advice.

So this no risk from razors advice goes on for chlamydia and other std's as well?
Helpful - 0
239123 tn?1267647614
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Understood.  This doesn't change my opinion or advice.
Helpful - 0
239123 tn?1267647614
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the forum and thanks for your question.

It would appear you have found a headline-grabbing website presenting overt misinformation or, at best, half-truths about barbers, razors, and transmission of blood-borne infections.  However, it is reassuring that you followed up with more careful research.

All transmission of any and all blood-borne infections (HIV, HBV, HCV, syphilis, etc) can be put into a category we might call "theoretical only".  In other words, health expers can envision a risk (in very special circumstances, like immediate use after an infected person was cut with the razor), but to my knowledge there has never been a reported case of proved transmission of any of these viruses by shared razors.

Some health agencies, like CDC, may take the conservative position that even a hypothetical risk should be listed in health education materials and prevention advice.  Others, like the UK's NAT, hold out for real, documented risk.

Finally, I am confident that nobody in the world has ever been reported to have caught HIV or any other blood borne infection from being shaved in a barbershop.  You really needn't worry about this.  But of course if you do remain worried despite this advice, the solution is simple:  don't get shaved in barbershops!

I hope this has helped.  Best wishes--  HHH, MD
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Avatar universal
and i forget to tell you that I do get bleeding from time to time by nicking a pimple or a spot since my skin is quite sensitive.
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