Can STD Be Contracted By Using Disinfectant On A Wound?

Posted on Mon, 23 May 2016

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

Mon, 23 May 2016 Answered on

Mon, 27 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello, I live in China and literally an hour a go went for a foot massage. The massager was scraping dead skin off my feet but cut me accidentally(I did not see him use disinfectant up to this point).. He then disinfected the blade and dabbed my small cut with alcohol soaked cotton (stung like hell) .
I have a hep a vaccination and 2/3 jabs for hep b. I am a little concerned over hep c. My girlfriend is pregnant btw, and I am slightly paranoid
My Chinese friend (I am British) went back to the place with me to ask if they disinfect the blades. She seemed confident in their response. They always do, no worries.
Anyway, although insured, it is a pain for me to go to the doctors, I am very busy, and I am not sure if I am being overanxious (this happened to me before with a shave - panicked, got tested, half a day off work, all clear).
In your opinion, should I forget about this?

I am also well aware of the relatively high rates of carriers here, hence my anxiety.

Thanks Dr, I feel very re-assured. I may go and get my final hep b jab anyway and ask for a second opinion, but I am very confident that I do not need testing. Thanks for your help.

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (44 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I do believe you are safe, so do not worry sir :)

Detailed Answer:
Hello sir and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. Going through your scenario in detail and with extreme patience, I believe there exists little to no risk at all. I am sure the masseuse disinfected the blade before the procedure because it is supposed to be common practise or else they could also be closed down, the use of alcohol after the cut also seals a good level of hygiene and risk prevention.

Do not worry sir, but if you still need further clarifications you can go ahead with testing as most individuals require that extra satisfaction to make sure all is well. But this would be only for your satisfaction as I believe you are safe.

I hope you find my response helpful and informative. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I am always here to help.

Best wishes. :)

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