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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Follow up to Am I worrying about nothing-
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
Follow up to Am I worrying about nothing-
by billy415, Feb 25, 2005 12:00AM
I think that much of my fear stems from a couple of isolated acts.
I had potential exposure to HIV that my DR told me was a slim chance at that. I was having protected sex with a girl I had never met, nor knew and the condom broke. I pulled out immediately and totally freaked out about it. The next couple of months were some of the worst of my life- I had to wait a period of 3 months at least before any HIV test would hold water. I waited 3 months and then had a test and it was negative. As many people in these forums, I chose to dwell on the cases where there was seroconversion after 3 months, so I had another test after about 5 months and it too was negative-I have since engaged in oral sex with one girl, her on me, and also am concerned that I could have been exposed, not because I think she was positive, but because I think there is some minimal chance of exposure
I still in party believe that I am HIV positive, and I think every time something is wrong with me I am seeing some manifestation since weakened immune sys is part of the progression. My possible exposure was april 19 2003, almost a full 2 years ago. Do you think I am just another worry wart who will not accept a negative result and move on?
I have 2 follow up questions.
First do you think I can trust an HIV test 5 months after possible infection, or is 6 months or loner necessary to feel comfortable, and
Is my making a connection between some skin problem and hiv like thnking Cats and Frogs are related?
As far as alopecia areata, which you said could be at the root of my problem, I will see my dermatologist, and in the meantime, I am going to hope and pray its not related to HIV.
Thank you so much for your help and comfort
I had potential exposure to HIV that my DR told me was a slim chance at that. I was having protected sex with a girl I had never met, nor knew and the condom broke. I pulled out immediately and totally freaked out about it. The next couple of months were some of the worst of my life- I had to wait a period of 3 months at least before any HIV test would hold water. I waited 3 months and then had a test and it was negative. As many people in these forums, I chose to dwell on the cases where there was seroconversion after 3 months, so I had another test after about 5 months and it too was negative-I have since engaged in oral sex with one girl, her on me, and also am concerned that I could have been exposed, not because I think she was positive, but because I think there is some minimal chance of exposure
I still in party believe that I am HIV positive, and I think every time something is wrong with me I am seeing some manifestation since weakened immune sys is part of the progression. My possible exposure was april 19 2003, almost a full 2 years ago. Do you think I am just another worry wart who will not accept a negative result and move on?
I have 2 follow up questions.
First do you think I can trust an HIV test 5 months after possible infection, or is 6 months or loner necessary to feel comfortable, and
Is my making a connection between some skin problem and hiv like thnking Cats and Frogs are related?
As far as alopecia areata, which you said could be at the root of my problem, I will see my dermatologist, and in the meantime, I am going to hope and pray its not related to HIV.
Thank you so much for your help and comfort
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Feb 27, 2005 12:00AM
, Feb 27, 2005 12:00AM
I think you have sufficient proof that you don't have HIV. I am concerned that you are still obsessing about this, despite reassurance that seems more than sufficient. Alopecia, if that's what it is, is common in otherwise healthy people. Most other skin problems are likewise not systemically related.
If your anxiety can't be allayed by medical reassurance, you may want to seek out counseling.
Take care.
Dr. Rockoff
If your anxiety can't be allayed by medical reassurance, you may want to seek out counseling.
Take care.
Dr. Rockoff
