Can HIV Be Contracted Through An Open Wound?

Posted on Thu, 25 Jun 2015

Question: 6 months ago, I d been to a barber shop where I got an accidental scissor.It was a small cut and the barber applied alum.What would be the risk of HIV infection

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (4 minutes later)

Hello and thanks for using HCM.
Chances of getting HIV that way are nearly zero.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (4 days later)

Hi, so I would like to know if HIV can survive on a surface of a potash alum used in a barber shop. I have this question because barbers use alum to rub over cuts. So if the alum is used once again on a cut, would HIV transmit this way

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It is almost impossible.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

Alum is considered an antiseptic material.

In addition, HIV doesn't survive outside of the body more than few seconds, so I don't think you got HIV infected that way.

Hope this helps. Best regards.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad