Could I Contract Hepatitis-B Through An Injury On The Head While Getting A Hair Cut?

Posted on Wed, 12 Jan 2022

Question: Hello Doctor,

I recently (yesterday) went to a barber shop and while he was cutting the hairs using trimmer/clipper, he hit the back of my head and I got a drop of blood from that hit. I am little worried if I can get Hepatitis B due to this and if I need to take any action to avoid that situation.

Also, Just thought to add that I am sure if she cleaned the trimmer/clipper before cutting the hairs, so that is making me worry.

Also, Just thought to add that I am not sure if she cleaned the trimmer/clipper before cutting the hairs, so that is making me worry.

Thanks & Regards

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (35 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Discussion follows

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Did you wash the wound well and use an antiseptic? If so there is very little chance of getting a Hepatitis B infection from that encounter. Relax
If you have not been immunized against Hepatitis B, it may be a good idea to get yourself immunized so that such occurrences will not be a reason for worry.

Do get back to me if you have further queries.

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

Follow up: Dr. Noble Zachariah (15 minutes later)

Hello Doctor,

Thanks for the advice.
I didn’t use antiseptic but washed my head well including washing it with Shampoo.
Please let me know if this increases the chance of getting Hepatitis B?

Thanks & Regards

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (48 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.
If you have washed well, it would be sufficient. The hair dressers usually use a lotion to clean when there's a small cut and that also has antiseptic effect. I don't think you have any increased risk .
Have you considered my suggestion for immunization for the future.

Have a good day.

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

Follow up: Dr. Noble Zachariah (1 hour later)

Hello Doctor,

Thanks for the advice.

Actually I travelled for a short trip and the hair dresser here didn't use the lotion on the cut. She just mentioned that it should be fine on its own. So, was little concerned if it should be really fine with just washing the head or if it is mandatory to put antiseptic to avoid Hepatitis.
I am actually not sure if I already got the vaccine for Hepatitis when I was a kid, Not sure if Hepatitis vaccine was part of vaccination program between 1985-1990.
Will it be fine to get the vaccine again in case I have confusion if I already got it when I was a kid?

Thanks & Regards

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (28 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Discussion continues

Detailed Answer:
If you had been vaccinated, you will have anti-HBs antibody in the blood.
You can have it tested in a lab. If it is present in adequate quantity, then the chance of an infection from an infected clipper is hardly present. If the antibodies are present in insufficient quantity, you can have a booster to boost up the immunity. If antibodies are not detected, it would mean that you did not have the vaccination and you ought to be vaccinated as primary immunization.

Take Care.

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