Unsafe Grooming Practices Put Youth at Risk of HIV, Warns Expert
APP
Islamabad: A health expert has issued a stark warning about the alarming rise in HIV cases among young people, attributing the increase primarily to unregulated beauty and tattoo services and the sharing of needles among drug users.
He emphasized the urgent need for annual screenings and awareness to combat this growing public health threat.
In an exclusive interview with a local news channel, Dr Faizan highlighted a disturbing trend, pointing to risky behaviors such as visiting unlicensed beauty parlors and tattoo shops and the use of shared syringes for injecting drugs.
He stressed the importance of regular health checkups, particularly for the youth, to detect and manage HIV infections early.
According to Dr Faizan, the HIV infection rate among young people has nearly doubled over the past six years—from 2.5 percent to a staggering 5 percent—largely due to unsafe practices in beauty salons, tattoo parlors, and among drug users.
He urged young people to be extremely cautious when availing services at barber shops and beauty salons, advising them to ensure the use of new and sterilized tools for shaving, haircuts, and other grooming procedures to reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
“HIV can be transmitted through unsterilized equipment used in beauty parlors and tattoo shops,” he warned. “Tattoo needles, shared razors, nail clippers, and piercing tools that are not properly sterilized can carry the virus from one person to another.”
Dr Faizan emphasized the need for individuals to choose licensed and reputable service providers, verify the sterilization of equipment, and avoid sharing personal grooming items.
He also called for comprehensive public awareness campaigns, regular HIV screening camps, and strict enforcement of sterilization protocols in salons and tattoo parlors to help curb the spread of the virus.
Dr Faizan particularly highlighted Faisalabad as a city of concern, citing its struggles with unregulated beauty and tattoo services as well as a rise in injection drug use—factors contributing to the spike in HIV cases.
In response to a query, he advised tattoo enthusiasts to ensure their safety by opting for certified tattoo artists who adhere to strict hygiene and sterilization standards
