HIV and AIDS Forum - Biting nails and likelihood of contracting infections

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Q: Biting nails and likelihood of contracting infections

asked by: DoctorQuestion on February 3rd, 2009

Hey there. My question is actually isn't for me. I'm worried for my sister, who bites her nails very very often. She was drawing blood from patient at a doctors office and for some reason forgot to put on her glovs. She slipped and the person's blood got under her nail. (The person has some kind of history of drugs with needles). Should we be freaking out? she's getting tested asap, but 90 days is such a long time to stress and worry.

Becky

Replies(1)

Dr. Andrijana Shterjovska , MD

replied on February 5th, 2009

HIV and AIDS Answer A5672

If your sister always bites only the nails, then the skin around the nails might not be damaged. In this case, there is nothing to worry about.

However, if your sister often bites the skin on the sides of the nails, then she might have caused small wounds, which could be an entrance to any infection including blood transmitted infections.

Testing is highly recommended.

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