Razor Incident

[Naseeb]

Hello Doc - We went to Cancun Mexico last week. It was me and my other friends. We went to hang by pool and then came back to room and I realized that one of my other friend used my brand new razor to shave his face/chest. Because I saw few hairs sticking in razor. I asked him and he said he used it.

He used it around 2 pm. I realized about that around 8 pm. Then, I washed my razor with hot water for minute or two and double checked for any blood on it. After washing it with hot water for two minutes, I proceed with shaving my face. Razor was sitting still for 4 to 5 hours before I washed it and started using it.

I didn't think too much about it because by the time I used my razor it was clean and I washed it with hot water. But, after returning from trip, I am still thinking about that incident. Because, the friend who used my razor is bi-sexual. He has girl friend and he also sees guys (at least from what I heard).

To cut long story short, Am I at risk? I could have gotten new razor but being new in another country, I didn't know where to go to buy new razor. So I just properly washed it before using it on myself.

I am no doctor but my research says it's NO risk activity. But anytime, I put myself in questionable situation, I turn to you guys. Because I trust your honest opinion.

I am not too worried about it but I will be back to normal once I hear reassuring words from you folks.

Thank You

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

There was no risk with or without washing the razor.

Most people don't lie when asked directly about HIV status.

[Naseeb]

I would assume that rinsing/washing razor with hot water would wash off any blood/fluid on previously used razor and it would be good to use again. While using it, I didn't cut myself either. Would you agree that I eliminated chances of getting infected by washing/rinsing razor with hot water?

I can ask dumb friend about his health staus but he is a liar and he would lie.

I wouldn't ask any other questions beyond this one.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Sharing razors is one of those theoretical HIV transmission mechanisms that probably has little or no basis in reality.  I am unaware that anyone has ever reported a case of HIV that was actually acquired by using a razor previously used by an infected person. And in any case, I see no reason to suspect your friend has HIV.  If you remain worried about it, ask him.  In the meantime, I agree with the results you found in your own research:  no risk.

There won't be any discussion beyond this reply.

HHH, MD