Dear Doctors. I am reluctantly returning to this forum (please don't be angry) because I have nowhere else to turn, and there is such conflicting information available online. I am now almost 18 weeks post-exposure, and have had no less than 8 negative HIV tests, including a PCR at 21 days, a 4th generation at 13 weeks and a 3rd generation at 17 weeks. At 12 weeks I developed a sore throat (no fever) which developed into bronchitis and took 3 weeks to clear. I consulted with you and it was clear that this was not HIV. However at 16 weeks, I developed a horrible rash on my lower legs, right knee, all over my back, back of my elbows and both sides of my stomach. The rash is generally itchy (most of the lesions are itchy), and consists of red, raised lesions of varying sizes (average around 1cm). I have never had this type of rash before, which is why I am concerned. My doctor tried to treat it with anti-histamines and anti-inflammatory cream, but it did not respond. The original lesions (about 40-50 in total) are still there after almost 2 weeks, and I continue to develop new lesions every few days, in addition to the original one. I saw a dermatologist a few days ago, and he said that it is likely urticaria, although urticaria lesions usually last a few days (mine have been there for almost 2 weeks). He has now prescribed new medication, but no response yet, and I still develop new lesions. I would like your overall thoughts on this, as well as your specific views on:

Steven.  I will not get angry with you but I am worried.  I have reviewed some of your past interactions on the forum and see that you have been reassured that you do not have HIV yet you are having trouble believing the advice you have- this is apparently true despite both professional reassurances from us as well as multiple negative tests.  Further, despite having been advised not to seek answers through searching the internet, you continue to do so.  This is compulsive, anxiety driven behavior which I suspect you may need professional help to overcome.  Clearly you have not been successful in doing this yet.  If you cannot do this, I fear that every time you get the sort of minor, community acquired rash that most people get from time to time, you will suffer from these anxieties in recurring fashion and that is not healthy. Brief (and repetitive) answers to your questions are below:

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Thanks very much Doctor. I appreciate your concern and advice. My problem throughout (why I have been unable to accept the negative results) has been that I have not been able to logically put the pieces of the puzzle together (specifically how I can develop such a rash when I never usually get rashes, etc.). I know that I am over-analyzing things, and have been for a couple of months, as there have just been too many coincidences. But all logic should point to the outcome that I don't have HIV - I have done 8 tests, I have consulted many doctors, etc. I will consider your advice to seek professional help. 

So sorry to ask this but seems that the growths on my 2 fingers are likely molluscum contagiosum (sent a picture to my dermatologist). I understand that this a common sign of HIV infection, and I am now starting to get worried again. Sorry....

You are attributing normal variation and coincidences to a disease you don't have.  This is illogical.  As you point out, you ARE over analyzing things.

Again, with all due respect, you are putting 2 and 2 together and coming up with 104.  The HPV that causes warts on the hands are rarely the same sorts of HPV that cause genital infections.  Further, if you have molluscum (you really do not know what these lesions are, do you- I suggest the place to start is with a dermatologist who can tell you what the bumps you have noted are), the fact is that the vast majority of molluscum occurs in persons who do not have HIV. Molluscum is by no means a common sign of HIV. 

I hope you will follow the course of action you have indicated that you plan to follow and seek the input of a counselor or other mental health professional.  You may wish to print out this exchange to help bring them up to speed on your concerns.  EWH

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Thanks Doctor. I agree. As I won't be able to consult a psychologist for at least the next week, I am going to keep telling myself the following:

Good plan.  Take care.  I'm pleased to hear that you will be seeing a psychologist.  EWH
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