Dear Doctors,

I hope you are doing well. You have helped me in the past to overcome a stressful situation, and I am truly grateful for your support. I would like to ask about another situation that has recently caused me some concern.

I went for a regular massage session (there was absolutely no sexual activity involved). The therapist performed a standard back massage using oil. Typically, therapists wear gloves during the massage, but this time the massage was performed without gloves.

My specific concern is that I have acne on my back, and I started wondering about a hypothetical scenario: what if one of the pimples had ruptured during the massage while the therapist happened to have fresh blood on his hand? I realize that this scenario is quite unlikely, but I considered it nonetheless.

After reviewing reliable information on this website and elsewhere, I reached the following understanding:

• Acne lesions are generally not considered a viable route for viral transmission.

• Even if there had been blood on the therapist’s hand, the amount involved in such a situation would not realistically be sufficient to create a risk, especially if no visible bleeding was noticed.

For most of the session, I was lying on my stomach and could not see my back, but I did not notice anything unusual afterward.

Finally, my question is:

Would testing be recommended in a situation like this, or can I move forward without concern and with peace of mind?

Thank you very much for your time and guidance

1.  The likelihood that your masseuse has HIV is very low.

2. Even if she had HIV, there is no reason to think that she had an open bleeding lesion on her hand.

3.  Even is she did, and if one of you acne pimples has recently been broken, direct exposure to blood from an untreated, infected person would not be a risk for HIV

I see no reason for concern and no need to test.  Please don't worry.  Work with your therapist to address your OCD

EWH

Dear Dr. Hook,

Thank you sincerely for your clear and reassuring response. Your explanation has been truly helpful, and I will take your advice seriously regarding working with a therapist to address my concerns.

I will close this matter here and move forward with peace of mind.

With gratitude and respect.