Can HIV Be Contracted Through An Open Wound?

Posted on Sun, 15 Nov 2015

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

Sun, 15 Nov 2015 Answered on

Wed, 2 Dec 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : If I only fingered a woman with no other activities and washed my hands well after is there any chance of exposure to anything?

I could possibly had a very small fingernail cut on my hand.

I did not see any blood from fingering.

I'm a worrier and want to confirm with an expert. Thank you

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Get tested after 6 weeks

Detailed Answer:
Hello
If there is no active bleeding from your finger then the risk is minimal.
Even then it is better to confirm.
Get an HIV test done after 6 weeks.
Blood tests now won't be helpful.
Let me know if you have any other doubts.
Thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (16 minutes later)

I thought HIV is only contacted with anal, oral and vagunal sex?

What's the
Probabilities

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rahul Kumar (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Chances are there

Detailed Answer:
Hello
HIV can be contacted if body fluids come in contact with an aberration in skin.
If your skin was intact there is no fear but if there was a cut on finger then chances are there hence better get tested.
Let me know if you have any other doubts.
Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj