Cuts and wounds - Nishmat Yoatzot Halacha

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Cuts and wounds

October 29, 2015

Question

I have a question about cuts and wounds regarding mikvah immersion. Would razor burn preclude someone from immersing in the mikvah? I recently had a little razor burn before going in the mikvah and am nervous that it was perhaps an issue?

Answer

Razor burn is not a chatzitzah (barrier). It presents no impediment to mikveh immersion, so you need not be nervous.

Cuts and wounds in general are not chatzitzot as long as they are exposed (i.e., not under a dressing) and cleaned for immersion. It is also customary to soften scabs through the bathing process prior to immersion.

Please write back with any further questions.