[Question #10370] Skin conditions

23 months ago

Dr.

I am sorry for coming back so soon. I searched the site and could not find answers to my questions. I will make it short.

I got very sun burned on my chest. I went to the dermatologist. He tested my chest for fungus. It was negative.

He gave a long diagnosis but put it in the system as atopic dermatitis to try and get my insurance to approve certain meds.

On Sunday I put hydrocortisone 1% on my chest. I may have put a little on Monday morning as well.

I read that using this topical wouldn’t affect hiv testing.

1. Is it true it wouldn’t? In one of your responses you said you could be applying it while testing it doesn’t matter. Please advise.

2. Are there any skin conditions (atopic dermatitis) etc that would affect test results?

3. Today I am scheduled to have a rapid alere duo at 81 days post exposure. Will this be conclusive?

4. Will this rule out hiv2 regardless of skin conditions?

I have entered a daily outpatient program to deal with my rape. I am hopeful it will help.

Thank you

23 months ago

I should add my skin condition is basically gone now.

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

23 months ago

I'm sorry, but this forum cannot help you further. As discussed clearly and repeatedly in your three previous threads, it has been proved you do not have HIV, and indeed were never at risk for it. Now you ask about a skin problem that has nothing to do with HIV -- but HIV and other STDs are the only topics that we address on this forum. And your questions about the effect of skin conditions on HIV testing are irrelevant, since the skin problem(s) apparently developed long after your negative HIV tests. Anyway, there are NO medical conditions or medications that have any effect on the reliability of the standard AgAb (4th generation) blood tests that you had. To the extent you continue to remain concerned, I would advise going back and re-reading all your previous threads; and to seek (or continue) professional counseling to address the underlying psychological issues behind your unwarranted fears of HIV.

While we understand the life stresses you have been under and some of the aspects behind them, this forum is not an appropriate setting to deal with them. We have done our best to address your continuing but unfounded fears of HIV but can do no more. Please note the forum does not permit repeated questions on the same topic or exposure. This being your fourth about your non-risk exposure and HIV testing, it will have to be your last one; future new questions along these lines will receive no reply and the posting fee will not be refunded. This policy is based on compassion, not criticism, and to reduce temptations to keep paying for questions with obvious answers. In addition, experience shows that continued answers tend to prolong users' anxieties rather than reducing them. Finally, such questions have little educational value for other users, one of the forum's main purposes. Thanks for your understanding.

I do hope the discussions, including this one, have been helpful to you and I'm sorry we can do no more. Best wishes and stay safe.

HHH, MD

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23 months ago

Dr. Handsfield,

Thank you for your response.

I understand your response. I do believe my questions were valid.

My follow-up info and questions is simple.

The skin issue appeared after 9 weeks post risk. I saw two dermatologists.

One diagnosed me with post inflammatory HYPOPIGMENTATION

The other diagnosed me with post inflammatory HYPERPIGMENTATION .

My test today rapid duo was negative at 81 days.

1. Do either of these two conditions make my test unreliable?

2. Did I rule out both hiv 1 and more importantly hiv 2 since that is only found via antibodies?

3. Can I just try and resume sexual relations with my partner?

Thanks

23 months ago

Lastly I really do appreciate this service more then you know. After my followups I won’t return.

Thanks!!

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

23 months ago

I stand by my previous reply.

1. "Do either of these two conditions make my test unreliable?" What exactly did you not understand in my previous statement starting with "Anyway..."????

2,3. Re-read your previous threads.

Best wishes to you.

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23 months ago

Dr. Handsfield,

As mentioned in my two previous threads my risks were as follows:

April 30- received 10 second blow job.

June 17- fingering a vagina with potential tiny finger nick / scab.

Dr Hook stated the above isn’t a risk for hep c.

I also saw in other posts that either you or Dr. Hook said that a 6 week post exposure test for HCV rules out infection.

Questions:

1. I tested negative for HCV (rapid antibody test) at 72 days post exposure. Is this conclusive? I assume this is because it’s longer then 6 weeks.

2. Did I even need HCV testing?

3 I tested negative for HIV 1/2 with an alere rapid duo yesterday 87 days post risk. Please confirm this conclusive?

4. Does having the skin conditions I mentioned affect my HCV test?

5. Does having HCV affect hiv tests results?

6. Can I move on for good and resume unprotected sex with my long time partner?

I am ready with continued counseling to move on. Thanks for all you doctors do!

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

23 months ago

All these questions have been answered, or the answers are obvious in your previous threads. Dr. Hook and I never disagree and we do not respond to questions the other has already answered. However, because I'm feeling generous: 1. Yes, conclusive. 2. No you did not. 3. Yes conclusive. 4. No. 5. No. 6. Yes.

I hope you indeed can move on and we appreciate the thanks. But please understand the policy about repeat questions; it will be enforced going forward. Thank you for your understanding.

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