Can using the same tools in a salon lead to HIV infection?

Question

Hello doctor,

My friend went to a salon for a pedicure because she had this issue with corn on her foot, but she noticed something weird. The salon staff did not seem to clean the instruments properly, and it looked like they were using the same tools on everyone. A lot of famous people from the cine field come to that place, so now she is really worried. Could HIV be spread like that? I mean, the instruments might have touched someone else with HIV, and she is scared because I heard HIV can spread through blood. Does that mean there is a chance she could get HIV from this? I do not know if HIV can spread through shared items like that, but she is pretty scared. Should she go for some kind of HIV test, or is she just overthinking? She does not know what to do next.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that is transmitted primarily through bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk. For HIV transmission to occur, these fluids must come into direct contact with a mucous membrane, or damaged tissue, or be directly injected into the bloodstream.

In the case of a pedicure:

If the instruments used had blood on them and those instruments came into contact with your friend’s blood (through a cut or open wound), transmission could be possible. However, this is highly unlikely.
HIV cannot survive long outside the human body. It becomes inactive very quickly once exposed to air, making transmission through surfaces or tools highly improbable unless there is fresh, direct blood contact.
Sharing items like nail clippers or pedicure tools, even if they are not properly sterilized, poses a very low risk for HIV transmission, but it could increase the risk for other infections, such as bacterial or fungal infections, or hepatitis B or C.
If your friend is worried, she could consider getting tested and also raise this issue with the salon to ensure that they are using proper sterilization techniques for their tools.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a medication taken within 72 hours of potential HIV exposure to reduce the risk of infection.
However, this is recommended for more direct exposure, such as through shared needles or sexual contact.

A physical examination by her doctor in a hospital is a must. Get well soon!

I hope this helps.

Kindly follow up if you have more concerns.

Thank you.