Scratch & HIV

[Concern01]

Hi Dr,

I was play fighting with a dear friend of mine who happens to be HIV positive.  By the end of our playfull wretling match, he had a scratch on his neck.  The scratch was not big or deep, but some skin was gone and there was blood.  I check my fingers (under my nails) did not find any skin or blood.  

I'm concern that I may have come in contact with his blood somehow.  It may have splashed in my eyes or something......  

All I know for sure is that I obviously scratched him, some skin was gone and there was visible blood.  

Should I be concerned of possible HIV infection?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

No change in my opinion.  NO RISK!!  Really, nothing to worry about.  EWH

[Concern01]

My friend is not in treatment.  I also forgot to mention that I have short nails, I'm afraid that even though I didn't see it there may have been blood or his actual skin under my nails.  I'm considering how tender is the skin that connects to the nail on the finger tip and my cuticles.  I'm sooo afraid.  

Taking these into consideration, should I be concerned?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

There is no reason for you to be concerned from this exposure.  For HIV transmission to be any consideration at all, he would have to be actively bleeding and his blood would have to have a way to get into your body, i.e. though a very recent open cut.  You scratched your friend but that, in and of itself, is not a risky exposure.  The possibility that and that his blood might have entered your body is negligible.  The idea that some of his blood splashed into your eyes has nothing to support it - the eyes "protect" themselves with blinking very well and you would know if his blood entered you eye. Furthermore, HIV transmission from splashes. while reported in a few instances is very, very rare.

Finally, you did not mention whether your friend is receiving HIV therapy or not but, if he is, that would further reduce the risk of transmission since HIV treatment reduces tha mount of virus present in blood to undetectable levels.

You need not worry and from what you say, you have no medical reason to be tested relating to this exposure

Hope this helps.  EWH