Accident At Barber Shop

[sparky43]

Hello Doctors.   I have seen some similar questions & answers on here, but just wanted to get the latest info on my specific situation.   About two weeks ago, I went to a barber in downtown San Francisco on my lunch hour to get a quick trim.  I had never been to this particular barber before, so I am not sure of their standards as far as cleaning the instruments after each customer.   Anyway, while the woman was using the electric clippers on the back of my neck, she pushed a little too hard and left a thin red abrasion about an inch and a half long in my skin.  I looked at it in the mirror when I got back to the office and it did not seem to be bleeding.  Later that night, I had a friend look at it and she said that it didn't look like the skin had been broken.   It eventually went away completely within a few days.   I have read things that say this type of exposure is nothing to worry about as far as HIV or Hepatitis is concerned, but then again I have read that sharing razors and other personal grooming instruments is a risk.  Part of me is saying that I am making a mountain out of a molehill, but the other part of me is saying "yeah, but what if...".   One thing that concerns me are the reports about people who have been infected with Hepatitis but don't have any of the known routes of infection.

Another additional piece of information - two years ago, I tested positive for herpes simplex 2.   Would this have any bearing on the situation (weakened immune system)?

I tend to be a worrier and am considering getting tested.   Do you think that this situation warrants testing?   If I were to go for a PCR DNA Qualitative test, how long should I wait before having it done?   I have seen answers to this range from 3 weeks to 6 weeks.   Thanks in advance for your advice!

[Edward W Hook, MD]

I'm glad I could help.  EWH

[sparky43]

Thank you Dr. Hook.  You have really eased my mind about all this.  I knew I was overreacting, but sometimes it helps to have someone who is an authority give confirmation.  Have a great weekend!

[Edward W Hook, MD]

I woul also consider the events you describe no risk for hepatitis.  EWH

[sparky43]

Thank you for your answer Dr. Hook.  That eases my mind about possible HIV infection.  However, I have read that Hepatitis can survive for days outside the body.  Would you consider this to also be a no risk event for Hepatitis?  If there is any risk for Hepatitis, how long should I wait before taking the PCR DNA test?   Thank you for your help.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to our Forum. There is no meaningful risk of HIV from the events that you describe.  Here are the reasons in no particular order:

1.  There is no evidence that your skin was broken, thus there was no way that HIV would have been introduced.
2.  There is no reason to think that the clipper used to cut your hair was used on someone who had HIV.
3.  Even if the clippers had somehow been contaminated with HIV.  Even without measures to clean the clippers, HIV begins to die immediately after leaving the body due to exposure to the environment.

Taking these facts into consideration, this was a no risk event.  There is no reason for worry and no need for testing.  

I hope these comments are helpful- there is no reason to worry.  EWH