Health Dangers of Sharing Electric Razors

Electric razors use a razor blade and motor to shave hair from skin. As with any razor, there is a risk of cutting the skin and getting blood on the razor. Diseases that are transmitted by blood may be transmitted by sharing electric razors when a user gets blood on a razor and fails to disinfect the electric razor.

Staph

Staph is a bacteria that is present on the body. When staph enters a break in the skin, such as one caused by a razor, a staph infection may result. Staph thrives in a warm, moist environment such as a bathroom where razors may be kept. Staph infections may cause folliculitis, where pimples appear at the base of hair shafts in areas where skin has been shaved.

To avoid spreading staph, do not share personal hygiene items like razors, towels and linens with other people. Shaving areas of infected skin and then reusing the razor without cleaning can spread infection.

HIV

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a contagious disease that is transmitted through bodily fluids, including blood. Patients with HIV should have an electric razor specifically for their own use. Shaving with an electric razor may cut the skin and leave blood on the razor, which can be transferred to another person who uses that razor without cleaning it. Electric razors must be cleaned and disinfected before sharing and it is best for someone with HIV to not share an electric razor.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that is transmitted through bodily fluids, including blood. According to the Centers for Disease Control, hepatitis B virus (HBV) can live on surfaces for up to 7 days. HBV may be transmitted through household contact with an infected person, such as sharing personal hygiene equipment like razors. An infected patient may get blood onto a razor, which can be transmitted to the person who uses the razor next. Patients with hepatitis should not share razors, but if razors are shared they must be disinfected and sterilized first.

References

• Kids Health: Staph Infections
• NY Health: Helping My Adolescent Deal with HIV
• HepC VSG: Electric Razors as a Potential Vector for Viral Hepatitis