AboutJohn Thai, M.D. Expertise Any questions on Infectious Diseases (All sexually transmitted infections as well as other diseases), HIV management, Internal Medicine-Pediatrics, birth control methods, safe sex methods, procedures (i.e. cystoscopy, pap smear, HPV management techniques including laser and surgical treatments for anorectal warts, etc), HIV coinfections and/or complications of HIV/AIDS, effects of illicit drug use, and general medical problems. All questions will be answered appropriately... non-biased, non-discriminatory, and open-minded.
My state laws require physicians to abide by HIPAA regulations and patient privacy laws, please do not include any personal identifiable information in your question as this is a public forum. Any questions identifying an individual's full name, address, telephone number, specific area of residence, or date of birth would be rejected. This also pertains to information regarding minors. My advice would be to only include relevant data such as age, sex (Male, Female, etc), weight (if this is pertinent to the question), medications (if this is pertinent to the question), and sexuality (if this is pertinent to the question). I am only providing this service as an education of medical disorders to the general public.**
About a month ago I received a manicure from a salon that did not appear to be very clean. As far as I could tell the instruments were not soaking in any alcohol and the nail files looked used. The manicurist did not cut me but I did have a very small cut around my fingernail. The wound did not reopen during the manicure but I am still extremely worried that I may have picked up a disease like HIV or Hep C.
I stupidly did not want to make fuss at the salon so I let the manicure to go ahead against my better judgement. Do you feel I am at risk and should get tested for anything?
Many thanks for your help.
With kind regards,
Joan
Answer Hi Joan,
Risk of HIV transmission is very low. There is been no cases reported regarding the transmission of HIV, hepatitis C, or hepatitis B and the use of nail clippers at salons.
A simple Oraquick Advance HIV 1/2 Rapid Test will give you a result in 20 minutes at your doctor's office to relieve your anxiety. Hepatitis screening is also available as well.
