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Is A Small Fingernail Scratch A Symptom Of Hepatitis Infection?

Posted on Fri, 10 Jun 2016

Question: I got a small fingernail scratch from somone do I need to get an hiv and hepititas panel done now? can you get hepititas from a small fingernail scratch?

Answered by Dr. Satvinder Bakshi (3 minutes later)

the possibility is very very rare, however, how deep was the wound and was there any bleeding?
Thanks

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

Follow up: Dr. Satvinder Bakshi (31 minutes later)

it was not very deep at all mostly just surface skin. a little bleeding but not even enough for a bandaid. it was more like 2 little nicks on my skin from it.

Answered by Dr. Satvinder Bakshi (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
The possibility is not there!

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Please dont worry.
you will not get the infection through a finger nail scratch which is superficial.

Even if you get testing done, it is unlikely to show anything as it takes 2-3 months to become positive.

If you are still concerned , meet your doctor , he will guide you further.

There are medicines available for hiv prophylaxis, but they are very toxic and have lots of side effects and therefore we start them only when the risk is moderate to high.

In your case i would not recommend it.

You can also meet your doctor and get immunized for hepatitis B

Does the person who scratched you have hiv/hepatitis B or C?

Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar

Follow up: Dr. Satvinder Bakshi (17 minutes later)

I'm not sure if he has anything he is a cook where I work he does wash his hands regularly. the scratch was not deep but did bleed a little bit. he had no visible blood either. I already spoke to my doctor who said I have no risk and to not get tested again. just want a second opinion if I should get more testing over this incident or if I'm even at risk

Answered by Dr. Satvinder Bakshi (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
you are not any risk

Detailed Answer:
Please dont worry

There is no risk, you are safe!

Take care!
regards

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar