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Can unsterilized salon tools transmit HIV or hepatitis?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I went to a salon to have a skin cleaning, and they used on my face blackhead extractor. And I am worried now if I could get hepatitis or HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) if they did not clean it between the clients. Is it possible to get any disease? Kindly help.

Answered by Dr. Rabia Anjum

Education:

FCPS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Rabia Anjum is a Dermatologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair, and nail disorders. She provides advanced care in areas such as acne management, eczema, psoriasis, pigmentation disorders, hair loss, and cosmetic dermatology, including skin rejuvenation and anti-aging treatments.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

I am glad you chose iCliniq for your medical-related queries.

I understand your concern and will try to help you with it.

If instruments are not properly sterilized and if the blood of any patient who has hepatitis, etc., is present on them, it is possible that it can be transmitted. Usually, in salons, the exfoliator they use does not penetrate the body, and the procedure is very superficial; it does not come into contact with your blood, and the risk is very low. For caution next time, you should buy your own instrument and bring that to a salon. You should not be worried now, as the transmission risk of hepatitis after a needle stick injury is very low and even lower for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).

Thank you for consulting me.

You can always reach me at icliniq.com.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Divya Banu M
Published At April 16, 2019
Reviewed At November 7, 2025

Education:

FCPS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Rabia Anjum is a Dermatologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair, and nail disorders. She provides advanced care in areas such as acne management, eczema, psoriasis, pigmentation disorders, hair loss, and cosmetic dermatology, including skin rejuvenation and anti-aging treatments.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Divya Banu M is a dedicated Dental Surgeon with valuable clinical experience. She specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of various diseases and conditions affecting the oral cavity. With a gentle and patient-centered approach, she is committed to promoting oral health and enhancing smiles through quality dental care. Her areas of expertise include restorative dentistry, preventive dental care, and cosmetic dental procedures.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

FCPS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Rabia Anjum is a Dermatologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair, and nail disorders. She provides advanced care in areas such as acne management, eczema, psoriasis, pigmentation disorders, hair loss, and cosmetic dermatology, including skin rejuvenation and anti-aging treatments.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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