Can HIV Be Contracted Through Skin Contact With Another's Blood?

Posted on Sat, 7 May 2016

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

Sat, 7 May 2016 Answered on

Tue, 21 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi there i am very scared. I belive i sat on period blood in the shower. I was naked so my genitle area was exposed. It was a bath bench with a unique design so blood could be stuck in the tiny almost air tight cracks bc the stool had a rough surface. I am very concerend. What if i have anal fissures or somethig along those lines. Do i need pep. Please help me. I called a hotline yesterday they told me not to worry and i dont need a test can u please give me ur expert opinion.

Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (22 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No need for PEP.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for query. Welcome to health care magic.
I am Dr Bharatesh D Basti answering your query. I have gone through the details and can make out your anxiety.

HIV does not survive in the environment for long.So the chances of source of HIV is nil.
Skin is an effective barrier and prevents entry of HIV.The chances of entry of HIV through the anal fissure, by the modes described is nil.

So the risk of HIV transmission is nil.
There is no need for PEP.

You can allay fears of HIV.
You can get back for any clarification.
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh D Basti
Dermatologist and venereolgist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (10 minutes later)

What if there were anal tears inside the rectum due to anal sex or passing of large stool? I do have a bladder infection which i was diagnosed with a week earlier.
Thank you. I heard hiv can last on surfaces in blood for 4 days. Thats why i am so concerned. The bath stool has a rough surface so stuff can sit in the tiny cracks for hours.

Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Not the modes of HIV transmission.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for follow up query.
These are all not the modes of HIV transmission.
HIV does not survive in the environment conditions.
You need not worry about all such modes (entry through tears etc)
You can get back for any clarification.
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh D Basti

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (17 minutes later)

Thank u doctor ! Can i also get another doctor to tell me what they think about the situation. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
YES.You can post a fresh query.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for follow up query.
Yes.You can post a fresh query.There are many doctors from all specialities to answer your health related queries.
Wish you good health
You can get back for any clarification.
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh D Basti

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D