Hcv risk from barber cut
Hello
My barber cut/scratched me with electric trimmer on neck,
There is just redness without bleeding,with few red dots which scabbed over night,my cut /scratch obviously is superficial,but can i get hcv from that tiny scabbed dots of broken skin,i can post picture from that scratch if i can.
Im pretty sure trimmer is not desinfected from previous use,
Do i need testing or my risk is negligible?
Hi,
!
I don't blame you for being concerned about possible HCV transmission due to a clipper nick.
Please keep in mind that I am not a doctor and can not provide medical advice. That said, the risk of catching HCV from an injury like this is low, but not zero. If your barber is properly sanitizing his tools (including razor and clipper heads) in a disinfectant solution (such as Barbicide), then your risk should be negligible. Since you mentioned that the clipper may not have been sanitized, well, that does up the risk factor a bit.
So, for your peace of mind, if you would prefer to be tested, you have the right to do so. Getting tested is easy and most insurance plans will cover the testing. If you need help finding resources, please let me know and I would be happy to help!
Again, the decision is yours and I am sorry you are in this position right now! Also, if it's appropriate, I would either find a new barber or have a talk about sanitizing tools with your barber. He is at risk too if he doesn't disinfect his tools properly.
Best, Erin, HepatitisC.net Team Member.thank you for your reply,i found this forum very helpfull about finding hcv facts,
I read that healthcare personel accidental needlestick injury risk from hcv is only 1.8% ,in your opinion does my risk is even smaller than that?
I must wait 3 months for conculsive result.
Thanks again for your reply, I hesitate to give any kind of guess on your situation, but your risk is very, very low, based on the data. It isn't zero, but it's quite low. There was a study done on unclean hairdressing tools and HCV risks and it *is* a real thing, but again, that risk is incredibly low.
I am so sorry you have to wait three months for a conclusive result! Ugh! I know that must be frustrating.
Hang in there!
Best, Erin, HepatitisC.net Team Member.
