Cut at barbers.

[kevphil833]

Hi, I had a hair cut yesterday and the barber used a pair of clippers (electic shaver) which I don't think were cleaned after the last customer. While shaving my neck he nicked a couple of ecxema scabs which I scrached earlier the same day. When I walked out I wipped them with some tissue and noticed that there was some blood streaks. Can you tell me if I at risk of HIV, as the barber could have also nicked the guy before and the blood could have been on the clippers and transferred to me when he cut my scabs? I have read some of the older posts but am not sure if my situation is the same as I definately found some blood on neck and so know the clippers did damage me.

Any help or advice would be really appreciated.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to the Forum. I'll be please to address your question, first by pointing out that nothing has changed in the interval since this question  was last asked of us (and thanks for searching our site before you asked the question, we appreciate and encourage this).  There are no proven instances in which use of barbering tools, including clippers, scissors and razors used to shave a person's neck has lead to transmission of HIV.  The first reason for this is that the virus is fragile, beginning to die almost immediately upon exposure to air outside of the body - this would prevent transmission of infection even if you had been exposed.   The second reason is the sheer improbability that the person served by the barber before you had HIV.  A third reason is that cuts and nicks occurring at the barber shop result in blood coming out of the body.  In contrast, HIV is transmitted when it is introduced INTO the body.  Each of these reasons is a good reason for you not to worry about the nicks you sustained at the barber.  Taken in combination however, they mean there is NO risk whatsoever and that you should not worry.  There is no need for concern of for testing.  

I hope these comments are helpful. EWH

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Yes, as I explained above, the sort of nick you experienced would not introduce infected material into your body.  EWH

[kevphil833]

Thanks that's a relief. I was just a bit concerned that introduction into the body could have occurred if the blood from the previous guy came off the blades and then in to my ecxema. But am I correct (from researching your other responses) in thinking that this is not an effective way of introduction as it is a surface wound and not deep enough?