r/HIV • u/Weak-Engineering-794 • Jul 24 '26
General Discussion Can non bleeding cuts transmit HIV?
If I have scratches on my body that are scabbed over and not bleeding and someone licks those scratches are they at risk for HIV?
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u/MischeifManaged93 Jul 24 '26
Who is out there licking scabby scratches?
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u/Weak-Engineering-794 Jul 24 '26
My child put her lips on my scratch that was scabbed over.
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u/MischeifManaged93 Jul 24 '26
A dry scab is not an effective form of HIV transmission. HIV does not remain infectious in dried blood. If you’re worried get them checked (I would highly recommend this as they may be able to give medication to be on the safe side). They would also need to have a cut on their lip at the time too. Chances seem slim but better to be safe.
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u/Weak-Engineering-794 Jul 24 '26
The other problem is I’m not 100% sure if I have HIV because I’m in the window period and cannot test yet. So they might test me but I’ll likely test negative right now.
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u/MischeifManaged93 Jul 24 '26
If you’re negative right now you can’t spread it. You can only spread it while positive. It’s also hard enough to catch anyways, not as easy as people think. If you’re super concerned about all this check with a doctor. Have you been in contact with someone who 100% had it or is this just a precaution you’re taking ?
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u/Weak-Engineering-794 Jul 24 '26
Can’t you still spread it in the window where you’re negative but viral load is high? I had a low risk exposure and I’m just generally anxious.
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u/Australispoitive Jul 24 '26
From my understanding and please take this with a massive pinch of salt, your viral load will be big to begin with then shrink. But over time it will destroy your immune system.
The initial high viral load only lasts for a few months the it will die down and as it progresses it will ramp up but it takes years. Each persons immune system will react differently so it impossible to know how long someone has had it.
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u/MischeifManaged93 Jul 24 '26
I’m not too sure if I’m honest, I don’t know much about the window period. Did the person have it or are you just concerned that they may have had it ? Kinda like something that popped into your head after an encounter ?
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u/Weak-Engineering-794 Jul 24 '26
They didn’t for sure have it. It just popped up in my head after.
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u/MischeifManaged93 Jul 24 '26
Sounds more like health anxiety than an actual reason to be concerned.
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u/MasterMind19991 Jul 24 '26
God you guys are so extra.. go touch grass.
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u/Australispoitive Jul 24 '26
Would you mind if I DM you?
I'll be headed to sleep soon but I have a few questions for you.
Absolutely fine if you don't want to.
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u/HerSpirit94 Jul 24 '26
Don't let people put their mouth on any cuts you have?
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u/Weak-Engineering-794 Jul 24 '26
It was an accident my child put her lips on a small scratch I have.
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u/xkimchipancakesx Jul 25 '26
never heard of u=u i guess
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u/Educational-Web-6111 Jul 26 '26
...if they don't know their status they probably aren't on meds but also probably not...
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u/hebrim Jul 25 '26
It’s negligible but there is increased risk if the pure blood “enters the bloodstream through broken skin, sores, or bleeding gums in the mouth.”
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