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Dermatology  (Expert Forum)
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HIV RASH? - I am really worried -HELP
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.

HIV RASH? - I am really worried -HELP

by akggen, Dec 14, 2004 12:00AM
Hi Dr. Rockoff and staff, hope you are all having a good christmas. Here is my situation:
I write to as I am frankly really worried as I had ended up through influence of drink (which I have given up now and know is the wrong route to take) having unprotected oral sex (her on me for about 7 minutes) with a sex worker in a club. I also had vaginal sex (10 minutes approx) but do not remember if I used a condom or not, hence my worry.
About 16 days later I suddenly got this big coloured area (about size of 2 hands sizewise if that´s any help) on my chest between 2 nipples and sort of around them. I could not detect any bumps, rather the skin was like it always is but pinkish-mild reddish so to speak in colour but it was clearly differentiated from rest of my skin which is very white and redder. Most of this rash disseappeared the following day although I had a few pinkish areas left. Its now 4 days since I got it and its all gone save some very minute localized pinkish area.
Just for further info, the rash did not have any rings, or isolated spots, it was just this one big uniform pink-mild red area, sort of like a big stain on a sheet only reddish.It covered a decent portion of my upper chest/trunk.
I am really scared, is this a clear sign of HIV?. I NEVER NEVER get rashes, I swear, hence my worry. Its just too much of a coincidence. I have heard the upper chest is the main area to get this maculopapular rash. I could not see it on my face, legs or hands.
I also got quite a lot of pain in my right armpit at the same time I had the rash. If I applied a little bit of mild pressure on it it would pain making me think this was an inflammed lymph node.
So, what does you think Dr?. I know I have to do the test but any ideas here are very welcome.
Just want to say that I don´t recall having fever or any flu like symptoms but then again I read not all symptoms appear. I have a bit of a cold but so do many other people at this time of the year.
Please Dr, give me a detailed opinion, I am very scared.
Further questions:
Can you also tell me if this rash usually appears at 2 weeks give or take?.
Is this rash always associated to a fever?.
Is lymph node imflammation related to rash?.
whats my risk?

NOTE: Doctor, I am sorry to launch so many questions at you but this worry is affecting my mind, my work, my social and family life and so on...

by Alan Rockoff, MD, Dec 15, 2004 12:00AM
"Maculopapular" means small red spots and bumps, not a big red blotch like the one you describe.  You don't have flu-like symptoms.  There's nothing in your story to suggest HIV other than your anxiety over your sexual encounter.  As for your never getting rashes, everyone gets them sooner or later.

Having said that, I haven't a clue as to what's causing this blotch.  it reminds me of nothing.  There's no getting around the fact that you'll need to see a doctor for definitive diagnosis.  I suggest you take a photo as well, in case, it fades or changes before you see the doctor.

But HIV?  I doubt it.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff
Member Comments (7)

by akggen, Dec 16, 2004 12:00AM
To: Very brief question
Hi Dr, thanks for the reply. Just a quick question for my info. I read the rash is non-pruritic maculopapular, was does that mean?.
Secondly in the event this was HIV related, when would it appear after exposure and how long would it last.
Thank you for your time. I try to keep my questions brief.
Happy Christmas.

by akggen, Dec 16, 2004 12:00AM
To: I saw a dermatologist.
Hi Doctor, just to let you know I saw a dermatologist today and he said what I had looked liked seborrhoeic dermatitis which he said appears on chest or eye brow area if trigered by stress many times. I showed him a picture taken with a digital camera o the day I got the big pinkish-reddish area on chest with strong lymph node pain under arm. Dr said it was v. unlikely to be HIV.
The Dr, still told me to get HIV test done though, why?. makes me think he is not so sure then.
Can an HIV rash look like seborrohoeic dermatitis?

by Alan Rockoff, MD, Dec 17, 2004 12:00AM
Seborrhea sounds right.  He suggested an HIV test just because you had unprotected sex.  Not to worry--it will be negative.

Dr. Rockoff

by spike77, Jan 01, 2005 12:00AM
akggenakg Let us know how u did on the test! thanks.

by spike77, Jan 01, 2005 12:00AM
To: akggenakg
Let us know how the test went akggenakg thanks.

by akggen, Jan 18, 2005 12:00AM
To: Spike and all
Ok will let you know results. So far, I have had a test done at 6 weeks and 3 days. the result was negative. However, this is of no use to me as one must wait 12 weeks to get test done.
Does anyone know if this is a good sign and can you tell me why if so?.
Thanks.

by girl31, Jun 16, 2008 12:39PM
A related discussion, freeking out!! was started.

by bolfre101, Jun 19, 2008 05:43PM
A related discussion, HIV Symptom? was started.

by daveisengland, Sep 30, 2008 07:46AM
A related discussion, Swollen lymph node was started.
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