Work Offsite Event & Contact with Blood

[NicoleC31]

This is a question directed to Dr. Parks.

Hi Dr. Parks,

I have a pretty large concern about contracting Hep C, Hep B, Or Even HIV from an employee at a spa.  More specifics....

I work in Sales and recently went on an offsite event with my colleagues for hitting our revenue targets.  Because we made a lot of money for the company, we were able to get a free spa day.  It was a very relaxing day until I had my facial done.  They used some tissues and metal equipment to do blackhead and pimple extractions and my skin bled a little bit.  The person doing the facial wasn't wearing gloves (which I wasn't worried about at first).  However,  After the procedure, I noticed she had big gash on one of her index fingers (she was using her hands when she was  squeezing the pimples and blackheads and didn't cover the gash with a band-aid).  I wish I said something at the time, but I didn't and now I'm worried sick.  

So my question is...with the blood from the extractions on my face, what is the likelihood I could have contracted something like Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B, or even HIV from the facialist that had the open wound on her hand?

I'm really worried!  

Thanks, Nicole

[Philip D Parks, MD, MPH, MOccH, FACOEM]

Hello Nicole,

Overall, your risk is extremely low. How low? It is difficult to say. It is very unlikely that you had a significant exposure.

~•~ Dr. Parks

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

[NicoleC31]

Thanks for responding Dr. Parks.  

I don't think the wound was dry, but it wasn't dripping blood either.  I just saw a big red gash on her finger.  It definitely didn't look like a healing wound.  
It looked somewhat fresh -- like she had cut it fairly recently -- but I didn't get a really good glance at it.  

About 10 minutes after the extraction was complete, she ended up gently cleansing my face with a mild-suds free cleanser and  water.  Knowing this, would it change anything?

Thanks,
Nicole

  

[Philip D Parks, MD, MPH, MOccH, FACOEM]

Hello Nicole,

It is quite difficult for me to provide a definitive answer to your question.

However, the risk is quite low given the facts that you provided.

Risks of blood borne pathogen depend on the following factors:
1. Amount of blood or bodily fluid exchanged at the time of exposure
2. Viral load of the particular pathogen in the blood or bodily fluid
3. Was the area of the exposure cleaned after the exposure (and with what - for example, soap and water, alcohol, etc)
4. Risk factors in the source person (intravenous drug user, multiple sexual partners)

What the person's wound dry or did you see active bleeding from the site?

~•~ Dr. Parks

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.