A recent social media reel by Instagram creator Dr Fahad Imtiaz has triggered widespread discussion after he claimed that severe dandruff, or seborrheic dermatitis, can sometimes be an early sign of HIV.
In the video, Dr Imtiaz described a patient who initially presented with dandruff but later tested positive for HIV. He suggested that the infection may have occurred through a minor cut from an unsterilised barber’s blade, reigniting fears about everyday transmission risks.
What doctors say about dandruff and HIV
To verify these claims, dermatologists have urged caution against drawing conclusions from isolated symptoms. Dr Shivani Yadav of Skin Avenue Clinic explained that seborrheic dermatitis is extremely common and, in most cases, has no link to HIV.
“People living with HIV may experience more severe or widespread flaking, sometimes extending beyond the scalp,” she said. “However, dandruff alone is neither an early nor a definitive sign of HIV.”
She added that visually, it is almost impossible to distinguish routine dandruff from HIV-associated skin changes without appropriate blood tests.
Can HIV spread at a barber’s shop?
Addressing concerns about transmission, Dr Yadav clarified that the risk of contracting HIV from a barber’s razor is extremely low. “HIV does not survive well outside the human body. A small nick from a razor is not a realistic mode of transmission,” she said, while still stressing the importance of general hygiene and sterilisation.
When to seek medical advice
Dermatologists note that certain skin conditions — such as persistent oral thrush, frequent herpes outbreaks, unusual fungal infections, or non-healing ulcers — may appear in people with weakened immunity. These signs alone do not confirm HIV, but testing is advisable if they occur alongside other risk factors.
The key message from experts is clear: stubborn dandruff is usually harmless. However, if skin symptoms are severe, widespread, or accompanied by unexplained health changes, consulting a qualified doctor is the right step — and only proper testing can provide answers.