What Are The Chances Of HIV Transmission Through Skin Cracks On Scrotum?

Posted on Mon, 31 Aug 2015

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

Mon, 31 Aug 2015 Answered on

Mon, 21 Sep 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi Doc,

I had a condom protected vaginal sex with a female sex worker.

I had forgotten that I had a psoriasis flare-up on my scrotum. I had noticed two small cracks/tears in the skin earlier that day.

How much of a risk do those small cuts present? I have talking of course of HIV.

Thank you XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
low risk

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HCM with your health care concerns

You recently had intercourse with a sex worker and despite using a condom you had skin cracks from your psoriasis and now concerned about possible transfer of HIV. You are at very low risk of transmission or HIV through the skin of the testis. I would strongly recommend not participating on sex with sex workers because there is still a high risk of other infections and you do not need to put you at risk by having sex with them.

I hope I answered your question. Please contact HCM with your health care concerns and questions

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

Follow up: Dr. Ronald Schubert (7 hours later)

Thank you for your reply.

I wrote scrotum, but I should have written base of shaft. The psoriasis streched from my scrotum to my penis. The cuts were on base of the shaft of my penis. Condoms usually dont cover that area.

Does that make much of a difference risk wise?

Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
no change in risk

Detailed Answer:
I don't think that will make the risk any different.

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