HomeAnswersDermatologyinfectionCan I get infection from a person having sores in hands?

Is it possible to get infection from a person who is having sores in hand?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At October 30, 2018
Reviewed AtDecember 6, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I ate a pineapple today from a street vendor. I saw him cutting the pineapple fresh, and so I ate it. When he was delivering it, I saw a black dry, flaky large sore on his hands. He was not wearing any gloves. Now I am worried about having an infection from this event. I am getting paranoid. Please advice.

Answered by Dr. Sushil Kakkar

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Usually, gastric acid can kill almost all the microbe present in the GI (gastrointestinal) infections like dysentery, hepatitis, and viral gastroenteritis from eating contaminated food. But the route is feco-oral. If he has not washed his hands properly, then there is a chance of having fecal contamination of food. It is unlikely to have a skin infection or blood infection spreading this way.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I am worried about the non-GI infections which spread through blood, and pus.

Answered by Dr. Sushil Kakkar

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Do not worry. But one should avoid having food served by a handler having skin sores.

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

Dr. Sushil Kakkar
Dr. Sushil Kakkar

Dermatology

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Read answers about:

hand hygieneinfection

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Dermatology

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy