Question 1

how could we disinfect a nail clipper/cutter if exposed to hepatitis c virus.

Accepted Answer

Scrub soap and water: The best approach is to have separate personal items that are not shared. Very important for toothbrush and razors- place somewhere so they can't be accidentally used by others.  If nail clippers get shared, soak in soapy hot water. If there was obvious blood can also leave in bleach ( one part to ten parts water). Razors have crevices that are hard to sterilize.

Question 2

can i get hepatitis or hiv? i bought a nail set from amazon. i used the nail clippers ,and sharp tool to take the gunk out from under my nails without washing. they were in a tin box  i just opened no tape or stickers on tin box before opening....?

Accepted Answer

: No risk at all. It is exceedingly unlikely someone with HIV or viral hepatitis used the clippers, but even if that happened, there is never a risk from sharp instruments that are not covered in fresh, wet blood. Don't worry about this at all.

Question 3

can you get hepatitis or hiv from unwashed utensils at a nail salon? especially if there is a papercut on finger?

Accepted Answer

No risk, no worry: This sort of infection for sure never happens for HIV, and probably never for hepatitis B. Of course nail salons should disinfect their equipment between customers. But even if they sometimes forget, the actual risk is extremely low. I'll bet no doctor or clinic in the US has ever seen a patient with either HIV or viral hepatitis known to be acquired in this way. Nohting to be worried about.

Question 4

i recently got a haircut with an electric trimmer and clippers in south africa. it wasn't a proper barber shop, don't know if they desinfected the clippers. had no visible cuts but still worried i caught hiv or hepatitis. what are the chances?

Accepted Answer

: There is a remote theoretical risk, however highly unlikely. It may be better to buy and use only your own clippers even if you have to take it to the barber's in the future. You may also do HIV and hepatitis testing if that would reassure you however the risk of transmission is very rare.

Question 5

my daughter and i had mani/pedis from a nail salon.i didn't bring our own instruments.how likely is it we could catch hepatitis c? do we need testing?

Accepted Answer

Highly unlikely: There is almost zero risk. These procedures are not penetrating bloody procedures like body piercing. The instruments would have to be contaminated with blood to be dangerous.

Question 6

i got my nails done at a salon 2 days ago and the tech cut me twice with the drill. it caused me to bleed. i am concerned about the risk of hiv or viral hepatitis exposure. should i be concerned?

Accepted Answer

No risk, no worry: There is no risk at all if the drill bits were disposable, i.e. new for each client; or if they are properly cleaned betwen clients. Even if those precautions don't happen, the risk is zero for all practical purposes. There has never been a known case of HIV resulting from cosmetic procedures, and probably none of hepatitis B or C either. Nothing to worry about.

Question 7

i went to get my nails done the other day. when they were using the electric drill on my nails they cut me a few times. is there any possibility of catching hiv or hepatitis from this? im not sure if they sterilize their tools properly?

Accepted Answer

: Nobody has ever been known to be infected with HIV or viral hepatitis during a manicure or similar contact. If it occurs, it is so rare that any risk can be ignored. Don't worry about it.

Question 8

can hepatitis c or hiv be transmitted if a patient's blood got around your nail bed?

Accepted Answer

Highly unlikely: Very unlikely if your skin was intact. If you had small cut or tears, there is a chance of transmission, but remains low. Get tested if in doubt.

Question 9

what are the risks of using a friend's nail clipper?

Accepted Answer

Maybe: If your friend accidently cuts her skin while trimming her nails i would not share this device. You could get her blood into yours if your cut yourself and catch an infection.

Question 10

can i disinfect nail clippers with vinegar?

Accepted Answer

No: Vinegar is too mild a disinfectant for grooming tools or where bodily fluids might be present.

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Doctor answers about:

Hepatitis nail clippers

A member asked:

How could we disinfect a nail clipper/cutter if exposed to hepatitis c virus.

A member asked:

Can i get hepatitis or hiv? i bought a nail set from amazon. i used the nail clippers ,and sharp tool to take the gunk out from under my nails without washing. they were in a tin box i just opened no tape or stickers on tin box before opening....?

A member asked:

Can you get hepatitis or hiv from unwashed utensils at a nail salon? especially if there is a papercut on finger?

A member asked:

I recently got a haircut with an electric trimmer and clippers in south africa. it wasn't a proper barber shop, don't know if they desinfected the clippers. had no visible cuts but still worried i caught hiv or hepatitis. what are the chances?

A member asked:

My daughter and i had mani/pedis from a nail salon.i didn't bring our own instruments.how likely is it we could catch hepatitis c? do we need testing?

A member asked:

I got my nails done at a salon 2 days ago and the tech cut me twice with the drill. it caused me to bleed. i am concerned about the risk of hiv or viral hepatitis exposure. should i be concerned?

A member asked:

I went to get my nails done the other day. when they were using the electric drill on my nails they cut me a few times. is there any possibility of catching hiv or hepatitis from this? im not sure if they sterilize their tools properly?

A member asked:

Can hepatitis c or hiv be transmitted if a patient's blood got around your nail bed?

A member asked:

What are the risks of using a friend's nail clipper?

A member asked:

Can i disinfect nail clippers with vinegar?

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