Can contaminated wax in the parlor cause HIV infection?

Question

Hello doctor,

I went to a parlor for upper lip and chin waxing. I am scared that the wax was contaminated by a person before me, and if he or she bled and had an infection like HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). The person double-dipped, and I do not know how many people the wax was used on. And what issues might they have had?

Kindly guide.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

You are right. You have every reason to think and fear about the procedure. But the fact is, HIV cannot survive in the outside environment and cannot be transmitted in this way. But what you have to fear is HBV (hepatitis B virus) because HBV can live and infect for one month in the outside world. HIV can only survive for two minutes maximum, and after eight seconds, it loses its infective capacity. So, regarding HIV infection, you are safe.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.