Occupational Risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Aesthetic Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery…

ReviewDermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]· May 2026

Occupational Risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Aesthetic Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery: Evidence and Prevention.

Ela Gazal, Ümit Türsen, Amor Khachemoune

Dermatologic SurgeryReviewClinical practiceQ2IF 1.2

Hepatitis B transmission risk reaches up to 63% in unvaccinated exposed clinicians

Occupational Risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Aesthetic Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery: Evidence and Prevention.

Ela Gazal … Amor Khachemoune

Dermatologic surgery · May 2026 · Q2 in Dermatology

Background

Dermatologic and aesthetic surgery exposes physicians and clinical staff to infectious risks.

Purpose

To evaluate evidence on occupational sexually transmitted infections risk in aesthetic dermatology and dermatologic surgery and to summarize prevention strategies.

Methods

A structured search of PubMed and major medical databases identified clinical studies, case reports, and guidelines addressing occupational sexually transmitted infections transmission in dermatologic surgery.

Results

unvaccinated staff face high odds of infection after a single exposure

0.3%

HIV

10%

HCV

63%

HBV (unvaccinated)

More results

Human papillomavirus (human papillomavirus) is the best documented occupational risk, with viral DNA consistently detected in plume and case reports of laryngeal papillomatosis and carcinoma in laser surgeons.

Herpes simplex virus can cause whitlow and ocular infection.

More results

Protective measures include smoke evacuation, N95 or laser masks, eye and skin protection, human papillomavirus and hepatitis B virus vaccination, and sharps safety.

“

Conclusion · 1 of 2

Occupational sexually transmitted infections risk in aesthetic and surgical dermatology is preventable but underappreciated.

Conclusion · 2 of 2

Universal smoke evacuation, vaccination, protective equipment, and standardized postexposure protocols should be adopted to safeguard dermatologists.

Occupational Risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Aesthetic Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery: Evidence and Prevention.

Occupational Risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Aesthetic Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery: Evidence and Prevention.

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