[Question #9268] Scratched by Hair Stylist

34 months ago

I was getting a hair cut today, and the stylist scratched me with her fingernail along my hair line. It was a very small scratch with a tiny bit of blood.

Should I be concerned about contracting HIV, hepatitis, or something else? I am currently breastfeeding my two month old and would never want to infect him with anything. Is testing recommended for this encounter?

Thanks, a worried mom.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

34 months ago

Welcome to our forum. Thanks for your question. I’ll be glad to comment and hope that my comments will help to relieve any concerns that you might have.

This was a no risk event. The reasons I say this with confidence are several. They include that most people do not have HIV and HIV rates in general tend to be lower in women than men. Secondly, and perhaps most importantly there has never been a case of HIV transmitted through the sort of finger scratch exposure that you describe. In addition, the bleeding resulting from the scratch you describe was your blood, not your stylist’s and would not represent a risk, even if it were her blood- surface exposures of the sort you describe are not known to lead to infection.

The statements that I’ve made regarding HIV also apply to hepatitis and other blood-borne infections.

Bottom line, this was a no risk event with no reason for concern and no scientific or medical reason for testing. There is no risk to you nor and directly to your child as a result of these events.

I hope mission is helpful to you. EWH

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34 months ago

Thank you, Dr. Hook, for your response and alleviating my concerns.

So irregardless of my stylists HIV status and the presence of a tiny bit of blood (and it doesn’t matter who’s blood), a small fingernail scratch is considered a no risk event? I can just forget about it and move on?

Thanks.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

34 months ago

Absolutely correct! No matter who’s blood was involved and no matter whether or not your stylist was HIV infected, there is no risk from the event you described to you or indirectly through breast-feeding or other means, to your child. No need for testing, no need to worry. Time to move forward and enjoy your day. EWH---