Question
What if dermatologists ask about HIV?
6 August 2024. Related: Access to treatment, All topics, Support.
Can HIV positive people on ART with an undetectable viral load get skin and hair treatments?
Most dermatologists refuse to perform these services if u disclose ur status.
Answer
Hi there
Unfortunately this prejudice is still reported by different types of services including dentists and tattoo studies, as well as skin and hair clinics.
All these services have routine guidelines that means that HIV status should not make any difference for whether to not you receive care. Actually the risk is higher for the person living with HIV if the practice doesn’t follow these basic hygiene procedures.
Even though HIV status should not be asked because it is not relevant, this is still a reason for discrimination.
This is likely to be different in each country and within each country. For example clinics in large cities might be more aware than in rural areas.
Perhaps ask your HIV clinic if they know of services that understand the issues where HIV status is not an issue.
Or phone them anonymously to ask about the policy of a clinic before you visit.
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