Can unsterilized salon tools transmit HIV or hepatitis?

Question

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.

Answer 1

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.