NEW YORK, Mar 10 (Reuters Health) -- Viral hepatitis can be spread through
contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person. Those close to
people with the disease are warned not to share their razor blades or
toothbrushes, which may be contaminated with blood. This week, a doctor warns of
another possible source -- sharing electric razors.
In a letter published in the March 9th issue of The New England Journal of
Medicine, Dr. Colleen R. Kelly of the Boston Medical Center in Massachusetts
notes that as many as 24% of patients in Veterans Affairs hospitals show
antibodies to hepatitis B, compared with 5.5% of the general population. Kelly
thinks she may have found one reason why.
While visiting a VA Hospital near Boston, Kelly noticed that several men
were sharing an electric razor, with each man simply handing it to the next
without disinfecting it first. Hospital staff told her this is not unusual at VA
facilities.
Although no reports of hepatitis being transmitted via electric shavers have
been reported, Kelly notes, these devices can cause small cuts and abrasions.
"In this era of increased vigilance and care regarding blood-borne
pathogens, I was surprised that the practice of sharing razors has not been
questioned," stated the physician.
"Efforts should be made to replace community razors with the disposable,
single-use variety in Veterans Affairs hospitals and in any other institution
where they are in use," Kelly concluded.
