Can HIV Be Transmitted Through A Wound?

Posted on Tue, 19 Sep 2017

Question: Hello doctor, I joined some business partners at a brothel, and at some point scraped my arm with the door. The scrape was superficial, but enough to burn with alchohol and get some scabs after a day or two. One of the girls there took their fingers and started rubbing the scrape. I did not have any intercourse or any other contact other than dancing. Am I at risk? She migh have fingered herself in the last 20-30 mins (with a previous customer)

Answered by Dr. Dr. Monika Dede (50 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
There is no risk to get HIV or STD.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you writing in healthcare magic.

If the scrape get the scab there is no risk to get HIV, STD or hep B and C even if she rubbed your scrape with these fingers.
Furthermore if you don't have direct blood to blood contact and sexual intercourse there is no risk to get HIV and STD infections.

I hope my answer helps you.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Monika Dede (1 hour later)

Hello, the scrape didnt have a scab then, it was fresh, i had got it one minute before she rubbed it. What if she had vaginal fluid from touching herself with her previous client?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Monika Dede (22 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please don't worry.There exist a low risk to get HIV infection.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you writing back.

Even if your scrape didn't have a scab in the moment she rubbed it, there exist a low risk to get HIV infection.
It is known that in extremely rare cases, HIV has been transmitted by contact between broken skin, wounds, or mucous membranes and HIV-infected blood or blood-contaminated body fluids.
Usually STI that could be transmitted in this way are syphilis and HSV.

I hope my answer helps you.
Regards.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng