Can HIV spread from a scratch by a used blade?

Question

Hello doctor,

Yesterday, my son went to a local salon for a haircut. He received small scratches on the neck while getting his haircut. I noticed that it was done with a used blade, which was not cleaned properly. Is there a risk of an HIV or other viral infection due to this?

Please guide me.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The likelihood of HIV transmission, in this case, is 1 in 300.

Firstly, you are not sure that the person on whom the blade was used previously was HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) positive. More importantly, HIV rarely survives in dried blood. So, in the case the person's blood was on the blade, it would have dried in 15 minutes. Hence, it is less likely that HIV will survive.

In spite of all this, I would say precaution is the best. Always ask the barber to use a new blade.

I hope this helps.

Please feel free to reach out in case of further queries.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Well, at least in my practice, I have not seen a case of HIV transmitted from a blade, though I would recommend you consult your local clinic for protocol pertaining to such exposures. The reason I am asking you to consult a local clinic is that different regions have different prevalence of certain diseases, and your local authorities will guide you based on that.

You could also ask the barber to trace the contact if that is possible; he used the blade first on.

There is a post-exposure regime to be started soon. So, please visit your local doctor, who can evaluate and manage accordingly.

I strongly suggest you and your family get vaccinated for Hepatitis B if you have not taken the vaccine within the last five years.

I hope this information helps you.

Thank you.