Dr. Nidhin Varghese
Dermatology
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
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Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Because of my work, I have to use a lot of disinfection gel. Due to that, my skin is dry, and there are also some tiny wounds on it. However, the injuries are not bleeding, but the skin appears damaged. Is it possible to get herpes through this damaged skin through sexual activities and sharing objects such as keyboards or ATMs (to withdraw cash or just touching subjects in the supermarket)?
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Yes. If your skin is eczematous (inflammed,reddish skin with blisters) and damaged, acquiring infection is higher. What I would suggest you do for hand care are avoid direct contact with detergents - cloth washing and dishwashing (use dishwashing gloves if you have to use them). Keep hands well moisturized. Avoid sanitizers and other allergens as much as possible. Use a mild soap for washing hands. Aloe vera-based soaps are the best. Always moisturize your hands with a moisturizer after washing your hand or sanitizer use.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Can I ask you another question? How does herpes work? Herpes will occur where the contamination occurred, or does it go through blood circulation to other places?
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Suppose a person has herpes on a body part (say - lips ); if you touch the area (lips) with "eczematous patches" in your hand, the chances of catching herpes on your damaged eczematous skin is more compared to normal skin. Eczematous patches are skin conditions with redness, itching, rashes, and oozing blisters. It does not travel from one body part to another by blood.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for your answer.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I know it is difficult to answer this question, but I feel that the transmission through keyboards or touching products in the supermarket is not so big as sexual activities. How can I, for instance, wash my genitals with this damaged eczematous skin? Can I wash my hands with soap before I wash my genitals?
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Let me clarify first. Herpes (oral and genital) cannot be spread through inanimate objects such as ATMs (automated teller machines), keyboards, etc. Herpes can only be passed through direct skin-to-skin contact with the infected area.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Yes, it is clear now. Thank you so much. I will return to you for my folliculitis decal vans in some weeks. Hopefully, you have some ideas, as I only can control it through antibiotics. Regards.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Sure. Take care.
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Dermatology
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