Is HIV Transmitted Through Intact Skin?

Posted on Mon, 22 Dec 2014

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

Mon, 22 Dec 2014 Answered on

Mon, 19 Jan 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello!, 3 months ago I gave a handjob to a guy and at one point only barely licked the tip of his penis with my tongue (<1 sec). No semen or seminal fluids for what I recall. He ejaculated over my abdomen, but no open wounds or anything. I dont know his HIV status but he was from Dominican Republic.
To be safe I called a STD Center and had a Elisa 4th generation test done at the 30 days mark, they said that's the window period. Of course came back negative.
1,5 month later after the "risk" I got a mouth ulcer that lasted 2 weeks and now 3 months later I got a flu and cold.
I don't know why, but I keep relating the symptoms to HIV in my mind. Does my story even add up to lead to HIV?

Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Most unlikely of HIV transmission.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for query.I am Dr Bharatesh D Basti answering your query.

HIV is not transmitted through intact skin.So abdominal contact of semen does not transmit HIV.
HIV also is not transmitted by hand job.
There is also no risk of transmission by lick .
I do not see any risk from these exposures, even if the person is HIV positive.

The oral ulcer can occur due to stress, or anxiety or deficiency etc.It is not specific to HIV.
Flu like symptoms are also not specific to HIV and can occur in various other conditions.

I do not see possibility of HIV transmission.

The antibody test has come negative is good sign.It is not conclusive by 1 month exposure.

You can go for antibodies test now to relive your anxiety.It is conclusive after 3 months exposure.

You can get back for any clarification.
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh D Basti
Dermatologist and venereologist

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