Concerned about Pedicure/Manicure

[adorablematzoball]

I have not had a pedicure/manicure in years. I made sure to ask the manicurist about safety; she pointed to a UV heater for the tools. At the time I felt reassured and proceded.
I noticed that the tools she used on me were only in the UV box for a couple of minutes at the most; maybe less.
While cutting my cuticle, I began to bleed slightly.

My question: I realize that I do tend to worry more than most people and in the future I do plan to bring my own tool kit. However, for this incident...

What is my risk of HIV infection, if any? (I at first assumed everything was fine due to the UV box, but thinking about it later I began to question the short amount of time the tools were in there and whether or not UV actually would kill HIV. However, I also have heard that HIV dies quickly when exposed to air, but I've read conflicting time frames for that as well- would a couple of minutes- and exposed to UV light- be enough?)

Thank you very much

[Edward W Hook, MD]

There is a minimum amount of time required to kill organisims but when the other factors I mentioned are considered as well there is no reason for you to have any concern at all.  EWH

[adorablematzoball]

Thank you very much for your reply. I feel very much relieved. However, I do have one follow-up question.

As I mentioned, the tools were only in the UV box for a very short time. Does it matter how long the tools are in there for (in order to kill HIV)?

Thanks again.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Your risk from this exposure is zero.  There are many reasons that `i say this with confidence.  For starters, `I doubt that there was any contamination of the equipment.  Second, if it was contaminated it is unlikely that the person who contaminated it had HIV (less than 1 in 1000 American women have HIV.  Third, UV light does kill HIV and the virus is very susceptible to both heat and drying.  Ptting all of these facts together, I can absolutely assure you that there is no risk to you of getting HIV from the exposure you describe.  No one has ever gotten HIV in this way and you will not be the first.  There is no reason for concern and no reason for testing.   hope these comments are helpful to you.  EWH