Semen on toes

[toqcct]

Hi doctors,

I met up lately with another guy that was into feet. He cut my toenails and did a small pedicure. I didn't notice any bleeding and have no other known cuts on my feet/toes.

About 15 or so minutes later, his rubbed his penis on the under side on my toes. There was some pre-ejaculate fluid on my toes. A few minutes later, he ejaculated a little on my toes (a few drops, not much though).

What are my risks for HIV ? Could he virus enter the body in the nail beds, under my nails or where he cut the nails ? Generally speaking, can you get HIV from small cuts, abrasions, hang nails, paper cuts, etc. that don't bleed ?

Thanks for answering.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

No, contamination of simple cuts and abrasions are not mechanisms for HIV spread. the virus really has to penetrate deep into tissue.  EWH

[toqcct]

Hi EWH,

Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

I don't want to start a "What if" type of discussion, but let's say someone has HIV, to what point do his genital secretions/semen/blood cause cause any risk if you come into contact with them ? I know the skin is pretty impermeable to viruses, but can a simple cut or small abrasion lead to getting HIV or do you have to have an open wound (i.e. very recent and bleeding).

Thanks again,

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to our Forum.  As you might imagine, there are no studies of this specific situation however I can assure you that the activities you describe put you at no risk. You do not know that your partner had HIV and even if he did , the activity you describe was masturbation, a no risk activity, and that he got some of his genital secretions on your recently manicured feet and cuticles does not represent any risk for HIV whatsoever.

There is no reason for concern related to this event and no need for testing.  I hope that this comment is helpful to you. EWH