Concerns About STIs: Risks of HIV and Syphilis After Sauna Encounter

Q: Concerns About STIs: Risks of HIV and Syphilis After Sauna Encounter

Hello： The situation you described generally poses a very low risk of transmission, unless there is a "bleeding" wound on the sole of the foot, which could increase the chance of disease transmission through that wound. <br>The skin on the soles of the feet is quite thick, and mi

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV and syphilis?

Hello, doctor.
I would like to ask you some questions.
Yesterday, I went to a sauna (a regular sauna), and after taking a shower, I lay down in the resting area to sleep.
After a while, I heard some strange noises, so I woke up and saw two or three people surrounding another person (all male).
They were engaging in oral sex, and upon seeing this, I was shocked and felt it was very dirty, so I immediately left the scene.
However, as I walked towards the exit (they were near the door, and I had to pass by them to leave), I stepped on a sticky liquid (which felt like semen; it was very dim inside, and there was carpet, so I couldn't see the color of the liquid, only that it was viscous).
After exiting, I quickly rinsed my feet.
My foot had a small wound from the day before (it wasn't bleeding, just a bit painful) where I had stepped on some ashes from an unextinguished cigarette.
I have some concerns and would like to consult you, doctor.

1.
Do I need to seek medical examination in this situation?
2.
Is there a risk of contracting HIV or syphilis? Could I be at risk for other sexually transmitted infections?
3.
I'm very worried about stepping in fresh bodily fluids; what should I do if I did step in fresh bodily fluids?

A Yi, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/10/08

Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine

Hello: The situation you described generally poses a very low risk of transmission, unless there is a "bleeding" wound on the sole of the foot, which could increase the chance of disease transmission through that wound.
The skin on the soles of the feet is quite thick, and minor cuts typically do not bleed for long.
1.
No need! The risk is negligible.
2.
The risk is minimal; the sexually transmitted infections that could be transmitted through a wound are primarily HIV and syphilis, while most others are mainly transmitted through sexual contact.
3.
Similarly, fresh bodily fluids are indeed more likely to contain viable viruses or bacteria, but if there is no "bleeding wound" on the sole of the foot, disease transmission would not occur.

Reply Date: 2020/10/08

More Info

Your concerns regarding potential exposure to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly HIV and syphilis, after your experience at the sauna are valid and important to address. Let's break down your situation and the associated risks.

1. Need for Medical Evaluation: Given that you have a wound on your foot, albeit minor and not actively bleeding, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider. While the risk of HIV transmission through a foot wound is extremely low, any open wound can potentially serve as a portal for infection if it comes into contact with infectious bodily fluids. A medical professional can assess your wound and provide appropriate care, as well as discuss any necessary testing for STIs.

2. Risk of HIV and Syphilis Infection: The primary modes of HIV transmission include unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing needles, and from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding. In your case, the risk of contracting HIV from stepping in a small amount of potentially contaminated fluid is very low, especially if the fluid was not directly introduced into your bloodstream through a significant wound. However, if the fluid was fresh and contained HIV, there is a theoretical risk, albeit minimal.
Regarding syphilis, it is primarily transmitted through direct contact with syphilis sores during sexual activity. The risk of contracting syphilis through contact with contaminated surfaces or fluids is also considered low. However, if the fluid you stepped in contained infectious agents and came into contact with your wound, there is a potential risk for other STIs, including syphilis.

3. What to Do If You Came into Contact with Fresh Bodily Fluids: If you suspect that you have come into contact with fresh bodily fluids, it is crucial to wash the area thoroughly with soap and water as soon as possible. This can help reduce the risk of infection. Since you have already rinsed your foot, you should monitor the area for any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge. If any of these symptoms occur, seek medical attention promptly.

4. General Recommendations:
- Testing: It is recommended to get tested for STIs, including HIV and syphilis, especially if you have concerns about potential exposure. Testing for HIV is typically done at 2-4 weeks post-exposure, with follow-up testing at 3 months for conclusive results. Syphilis testing can be done at any time, but if you have symptoms, it is best to get tested sooner.

- Prevention: In the future, consider taking precautions to avoid similar situations. This includes being aware of your surroundings in public spaces and avoiding contact with bodily fluids.

In summary, while the risk of contracting HIV or syphilis from your described encounter is low, it is still important to consult a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation and testing. Taking proactive steps in monitoring your health and seeking medical advice will help alleviate your concerns and ensure your well-being.

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