Can Hep B be transmitted at a hair salon?

[tjcd]

Hello.
My son was crying, screaming, squirming at his hairuct and the hairdresser cut him by accident behind the ear - more like a scratch, but it did bleed a little so now i'm so worried - can he catch anything? I put neosporin on it. We were the 1st customers so the scissors weren't in the blue disinfectant - they were in her bag but she said she cleans them the night before when she leaves - he hasn't had his hep b shot yet even though he's almost 2 - should i be concerned that he can catch something like that from a little scratch made with the scissors? I'm really worried.

Thanks.

[jmjm530]

I think what happened to your two year old son is quite common. It's also common that as a mother you would be concerned. That said I really don't think you have anything to worry about. No doctors here, so best ask your doctor about this if you're still concerned. Again, I really don't think you have anything to worry about.

-- Jim

[tjcd]

Thank you. My father has Hep C so I'm always worried about things like this.

[FlGuy]

One thing I caution people that I know, which is not be applicable to your little one, is to avoid the 'straight razor trimming' at barber shops. The thought of the concept gives me the willies now.  Most of the time, if the razors even see the blue stuff, it's a dip, a shake and 'next victim please'  What is that blue stuff anyway? Looks like a Gatorade variety.

[SandyBreeze]

tjcd - Get the little tike tested for mum's own peace-of-mind.  

FLguy - Just over a month diagnosed and I'm beginning to look at salons germ/virus control measures.  I travel and stop at shops at the spur of the moment and now will be far more vigilant/cautious.   What lurks in those blue waters LOL...
This make me curious about acupuncture and other type procedures?  There's more studying coming my way - LOL!!!
Seriously, that is good advise for the men.  

[honey11]

I think your boy is just fine but can understand you feeling the way you do with your dad having hep!

Fl,,,lol it does look like gatoraid! Better not be! Actually it is some kind of disinfectant but few years back,,,alot of these nail salons were using it and even watering it down more so they said it would be able to kill the virus.
As far as acupunture,,,don't they put those needles in something to heat to a certain to make them sterile??  I would hope so,,,I have had that done before.

[SandyBreeze]

honey11 - Another study assignment LOL!!! Not sure at all the procedures involved between 'victims'.  I've had it done a few times in my life and, of course upon diagnosis, our entire life begins to flash before us. :)   The purpose was not because of an illness even!!  It was associates assuring me of the benefits of bringing the body into balance and avoiding illness!  I've had some pretty interesting experiences in the pursuit to maintain perfect health!  And where has it led me?  To health forum LOL

[wyntre9]

I've had acupuncture, too.

I forgot to list it (I've seen it on a number of different 'risky' behavior charts) as one of the dozen different ways I could have gotten C.

[SandyBreeze]

That's interesting.  Glad I caught you because It is pretty late for me.  I retire early.  Just left you a message on the other side.  I've had the day off and have been reading.  There's logic that its a possibility'.  The poster a couple above us believes the needles are heated to possibly a high enough temperature to destroy the virus?  With Hep C knowledge hopefully on the upswing it wouldn't be blooming likely it would be from acupuncture.  However, do we know this for sure?  

[wyntre9]

I'm a newbie, too.  Just started TX 11 weeks ago.

But I'll find some of those lists and post them later, or tomorrow, for you.

[Tater-ToT]

Honey,
Hummmm...
I was under the impression that most are single-use, disposable needles these days but I suppose the old way (to be cleaned ultrasonic then autoclaved), still exist!

tjcd..,
I guess sure there would be a risk (as with just about anything else)... but you have to think about this... when she nicked him... he would be bleeding OUT... to get infected the virus has to get "IN" soooo, although yes a risk, I would think it would be a rather low one!

During all those years I was infected & didn't know, I shared razors, ect & all of my family's test came up negative!
;)

[honey11]

Yep Tater,,,you are probably right about the disposable! I just know that alot of times,,,they do clean utensils etc that way but I'm sure for acupuncture,,,easier to throw away after each use!

Yep,,,I agree with you all,,,it can happen but I just know same here,,,,as far as using razors and knicking etc  Lots of people take their own nail supplies to the nail salon if you want to be on safe side also,,,

[SandyBreeze]

wyntre-

Thank you.  I will keep my 'eye' out  later for it (ouch ... that 'sounds' painful!)

Breeze ~ ~ ~

[wyntre9]

naturally, i couldn't find the articles i mentioned, but here's a partial list of  risk factors from the website referenced below.

it contains a brief explanation of possible acupuncture transmission.

http://www.britishlivertrust.org.uk/content/diseases/hepatitis_c.asp

Acupuncture
tattoos
body piercing (including sharing body jewelry)
Saliva
Vaccinations
Steroids (injections of)
Needlestick Injury
Hairdressers/Barbers
Medical and Dental procedures (including Colonoscopy, arthroscopy)
Household Transmission e.g. sharing razors and toothbrushes, etc.
Drug use
Hemodialysis
Some sexual Activity

[SandyBreeze]

Thank you so much for your time on that.  

(And guess our instincts/logic was right on this one!)  

I imagine the methods used are constantly improving and maybe that issue (relative to acupuncture transmission) has resolved.  

I  hate the thought of the possibility of giving this to someone else.

[wyntre9]

from the website

Acupuncture, tattoos, body piercing

A few people have become infected by unsterile needles being used for ear and body piercing, acupuncture and tattooing. The best way to protect yourself is to ensure disposable needles are used and that they come straight out of a sterile packet.

good luck