[Question #5009] Unknown Rash.
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78 months ago
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Hello again Dr HHH.
I got tested a while back after my drunken night that caused unessessary anxiety. I was negative on everything. They dont call you back if they dont find anything, and I double checked my contact info.
This is probably all parinoia, but recently my gf has a full rash on her chest and a little on her legs and back. Im thinking it is either ringworm or pityriasis rosea which are both connected with HIV. It itches ans burns a little. I dont think its ARS but would be chronic.
Should I be concerned its HIV? Or just a common rash as both are fairly common. Its getting worse over the last three weeks.
Thank you
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
78 months ago
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Welcome back to the forum, although I'm sorry you found it necessary, and that you remain concerned about the event we discussed a year or so ago. The HIV tests are 100% conclusive when done sufficiently long after the last possible exposure. As we may have discussed last time, that time is 6-12 weeks, depending on which test is done; for the most common type, the antigen-antibody (AgAb, "combo", "duo", "4th generation") test, that time is 6 weeks. In any case, I know we discussed the very low chance you even had sex, let alone caught HIV, during the event you askedd about.
As for your partner's symptoms, a skin rash alone -- without fever, sore throat, inflamed lymph nodes, etc -- is rarely if ever due to HIV. Also, the rash of ARS doesn't itch or burn, and would not be localized to a relatively small part of the body.
Your partner should see a doctor to sort out the cause and perhaps treatment, but the evidence is strong that HIV isn't the cause of her rash and that you don't have it.
I hope these comments are helpful. Let me know if anything isn't clear.
HHH, MD
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78 months ago
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Thank you, and yes I shouldnt be worried. I spent far too much time looking around on the internet associating rashes and looking at pictures. And now Im here again. Probaly like a lot of people on this forum.
Im sure its pityiasis rosea and she will be fine. but her rash is quite large though and spreading over the past 3-4 weeks. Covering her whole upper chest to a bit on her stomach/back and thighs. Under her breasts and one arm pit is especially bad. What would the ARS rash look like?
You wouldve had “obvious” ARS symptoms before the chronic stage right? And the chronic stage is weight loss, loss of appetite, etc.? and could also be any kind of rash?
Thank you
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
78 months ago
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The rash of ARS is typically body-wide, with painless, non itchy red spots. And no, most people have no symptoms in the "chronic" phase of HIV, until they get symptoms and signs of opportunistic infections indicating overt AIDS. (Not counting ARS, which occurs in about half of newly infected people and clears up in 2-4 weeks.) Those problems can start as soon as a year, but usually 2-10 years after catching HIV.
The HIV blood tests are among the most accurate diagnostic tests ever developed, for any medical condition. The results overrule all other considerations. It would not matter if you had the highest risk exposure imaginable (you did not) or the most classical symptoms of ARS or AIDS. Assuming your blood test was done sufficiently long after the night you are worried about, and assuming no possible reexposure since then, it is impossible that you have HIV or could have transmitted it to anyone. Believe it, suck it up, and move on. And don't ask about any other symptoms: my reply would not change.
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77 months ago
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Ok. Thank you ver much Dr. These discussions help a lot. My last question: Is it common that STD clinics wont bother calling you if you are “clean”? Im from Canada, so I was wondering if this a common thing in the US as well?
The no news is good news thing.
Thank you
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
77 months ago
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Different clinics have different policies, and I doubt these vary based on country. It probably is true that you would have been called if a test were positive, but if you want more reassurance, call the clinic.
That completes the two follow-up comments and replies included with each question and so ends this thread. I hope the discussion has been helpful.
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