Expert: Kristen Brannock, MPH - 8/29/2004

Question
Hello there…!
    Am a 21 yr old boy.Recently this happened to me.On the middle finger of my left hand,there was a skin split near the nail.The split was pointed in the direction of the nail growth….i.e I in the direction in which the nail grows…Outwards.I pulled the skin split with my other other hand fingers in the opposite direction of the skin growth and peeled it  off. During this a little blood came out because instead of cutting the skin split I pulled it off.

   Now after this about fifteen mins later I remember while having food  because of the contact with salt with the split,it burned a bit.I washed my hands and it stopped burning.

After about an hour after the split, I visited a prostitute.By this time I remember there was no bleeding.(As the bleeding had stopped since I sucked my finger when it was bleeding immediately after the skin pull out).Now let me tell you that the split cut was very small.I mean hardly like ….a …”Comma”(,) ,in English Alphabet.
    
    The bleeding had stopped.Actually you cant even say it was bleeding either,hardly a drop of blood had oozed out when I pulled the split.Now I fingered the prostitute,I mean I inserted my finger in side her vagina,during this there was kind of a “Burning” Sensation on the split cut and when I removed my finger from inside her I saw her vaginal fluids on the split cut and that's why It was burning.
    
    I washed my hands Immediately,and had a close look at the Cut.After a close look I saw that the cut had dried up but I could see the lower skin or something “Pink”,Probably Flesh….I could not figure out since the split was too small.

    Now I know that bleeding had stopped and the wound had dried too….but am worried if am at risk due to contact with vaginal fluids and the cut.
    
Question1 >   Am basically worried that if the cut appreared to be dry then why did I feel the “Burning” Sensation?

Question 2>What are my chances of being infected this way ? Plz reply back on my email add.

Anxiously Awaiting your reply,

ABC

Email:- classics111@yahoo.com

PS: Plz mail back on my email id. And if possible plz answer me back pointwise, like for eg> Ans 1 , Ans 2,….the way I have asked you.Thanks..!

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Answer
I am guessing that you felt the burning because her fluids came into contact with the torn skin, which irritated it. Yes, you have been put at risk-if she is infected, and her vaginal fluid entered your body via the cut, then transmission could occur.