HIV Symptom?

4 weeks ago my condom broke during intercourse on a one night stand. at 3 weeks i noticed a rash of some sort on the back of my hand, small reddish spots (like freckels) and then two larger areas about 1 inch long and 3/4 inch long on my knuckle and between my index finger and thumb. is this common in early hiv rashes. what is my risk.


This discussion is related to HIV RASH? - I am really worried -HELP.

[Dr_Aparna]

Hi,
Two species of HIV infect humans: HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1 is the virus that was initially discovered and termed LAV. It is more virulent, relatively easily transmitted, and is the cause of the majority of HIV infections globally.
The majority of HIV infections are acquired through unprotected sexual relations. Sexual transmission can occur when infected sexual secretions of one partner come into contact with the genital, oral, or rectal mucous membranes of another.
Infection with HIV-1 is associated with a progressive decrease of the CD4+ T cell count and an increase in viral load. The stage of infection can be determined by measuring the patient's CD4+ T cell count, and the level of HIV in the blood.
HIV infection has basically four stages: incubation period, acute infection, latency stage and AIDS. The initial incubation period upon infection is asymptomatic and usually lasts between two and four weeks. The second stage, acute infection, which lasts an average of 28 days and can include symptoms such as fever, lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes), pharyngitis (sore throat), rash, myalgia (muscle pain), malaise, and mouth and esophageal sores. The latency stage, which occurs third, shows few or no symptoms and can last anywhere from two weeks to twenty years and beyond. AIDS, the fourth and final stage of HIV infection shows as symptoms of various opportunistic infections.
ref:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HIV
Though rash is part of the acute infection, it has to be associated with the other symptoms mentioned, which is like an episode of viral flu.. Since you have only a rash , this might be totally unrelated to the disease.
It could just be an allergy.Take an OTC anti-histamine for a week and it should be gone.

[Dr_Aparna]

If you still want to be absolutely sure that it is not HIV, you could discuss the option of getting a blood test done to check CD4+ T cell level , if it is available.The first stage of infection, the primary, or acute infection, is a period of rapid viral replication that immediately follows the individual's exposure to HIV leading to an abundance of virus in the peripheral blood with levels of HIV commonly approaching several million viruses per mL This response is accompanied by a marked drop in the numbers of circulating CD4+ T cells.Usually 2-4 weeks post-exposure is the stage of infection.But if you don't have this influenza-like illness right now i.e. you are in the fourth week post-exposure(assuming your partner is HIV +) then I don't think there is reason to be concerned.
If you have any further doubts please do contact us or your GP.
rEGARDS AND gOD BLESS.

[arcien]

Hi There,

Sorry bolfre, didnt meant to hijak your thread.

Today is my 28th day since my exposure and i realize i have rashes at both my butt cheeks that are red and looks like pimples that dont itch.

Im kinda freaking out now, is it related to initial HIV rash ???

[bolfre101]

OTC anti-histamine? can they be found at the store or do you have to visit a doctor? if they are over the counter, what are some types

[mithlesh]

Hi Dr. Aparna,

Few months i met a guy and we engaged  in smooching nothing after that, till 4 months i was absolutely fine but one day i chat with another guy again and he told me that he is HIV+, since then i developed a fear within me that iam infected, few days ago i undergo a blood test and doctor said reports are normal, 2 weeks after blood test i had a headache, some kind of a rash but i think its mostly bug bite coz the skin turns red and after few hours it get clear. wanted to ask you should i take these as hiv symptoms also iam not sexually active. Please help.