bite on ear lobe

[concerned749]

Doctor,

I posted this question in another forum mistakenly because I wanted your advice. A stripper bit my ear lobe last night that I cut shaving earlier that morning.  When I got home I saw that the lobe bled a little.  I have read forums on Medhelp but I wanted to ask my situation personally.  Is there a risk of HIV transmission from the bite to a cut earlobe?

Thanks,

[concerned749]

Thank you. You don't know how comforting your advice is.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

No, no change in my assessment or advice. Please do not worry.  I have never seen a person who acquired HIV from a bite.  EWH

[concerned749]

Doctor,

A quick follow up to my question.

Any change to your advice if she had a cut in her mouth?
thank you

[concerned749]

Thank you doctor. Sometimes, during emotional distress people need reassurance from an expert to be rational again. You do a great service here. Thanks again.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Welcome to the forum.  However, the expertise and quality of advice are the same on this and the HIV international forum.  You didn't need to spend another posting fee.  You can expect the reply there to be the same as mine.

Biting is one of those kinds of exposures that are commonly listed as HIV risks by various public health autorities, websites, etc.  However, to my knowledge there has never been an acual case of HIV transmitted by being bitten by an HIV infected person.  Therefore, it is safe to conclude that if it happens, it is exceedingly rare.  Most strippers don't have HIV -- but if yours did, I would still consider this a zero risk exposure.  You don't need testing and if you have a regular sex partner, can safely continue your normal sexual relations.

I hope this has helped.  Best wishes--  HHH, MD