Can HIV Be Contracted Through An Open Wound?

Posted on Sun, 4 Oct 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 4 Oct 2015 Answered on

Mon, 26 Oct 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : 8 days ago I had a limited sexual contact. There was only kissing, grinding with underwear on (her panties were soaked) and I fingered her. I didn't notice that I had a couple paper cuts on my fingers. None were bleeding or anything like that. Didn't even know I had them until I used had sanitizer afterwards. And again only grinding with umderwear, no insertion. What are my risks. Should I get tested for HIV?

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
the risk is minimal

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

although it can't be quantified, the risk is minimal. There is no risk with fingering if the skin is intact. With open wounds there is a very small risk (almost negligible). If you only had contact with her underwear there is no worry. It's too late for post exposure prophylaxis anyway.

I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.

Kind Regards!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (13 minutes later)

Should I get tested or is that a waste of time? If so would u recommend getting the RNA test now?

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
probably a waste of time...

Detailed Answer:
If you only had contact with her underwear, I wouldn't recommend testing. If your finger entered her vagina, you can do the test (10 days after exposure is OK for RNA testing) although I wouldn't expect a positive result.

Kind Regards!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar