Stressing over ringworm

HI. I discovered in Jan 07 that my husband was positive. I was tested and initially the test was inconclusive. I had a further 4 or 5 tests and at the beginning of march 07 was declared negative. Mu husband had meanwhile started drug treatment and was soon zero detectable. We always practised safe sex once he was diagnosed and he took his meds religiously. During 2007 I developed a red patch of skin on my inner thigh which I ignored thinking it was ezcema (eczema). In April 08 I showed it to the doctor who said it was ringworm and gave me the appropriate cream. It didn't appear to work but when I went on a hot holiday a month later it disappeared. It came back last Summer (2009) and I ignored it again. I went back to my doctor in May and since then I have had two sets of cream but it still won't go away completely, although it has faded. In the meantime my relationship ended in Jan 09. Now I am very worried that my ringworm is an effect of hiv. When the hospital said i was negative, could there have been any doubt? ALso could my immune system have gone down so quickly that the ringworm is a result? Considering my husband always took his meds and we always used a condom what was my chance of becoming infected. Thanks

[Dr. Jose Gonzalez-Garcia, MD, MRCGP, PhD]

Hello,
Thank you very much for your contribution to our forum.
When you had your final test and the hospital confirmed that you were HIV negative in 2007, I do not believe that a mistake could have happened and I ma very sure that the result was accurate.  Also from the subsequent sexual encounters that you had with your husband, there would have been no risk of infection for two reasons:  you always used condoms and his viral load was undetectable (not infectious).  I do not think that you need to worry about HIV.  If you have doubts, I would advice you to get tested, for your peace of mind.  It should be negative.
Regarding your skin problem, it does not sound like ringworm if it has not responded to the creams prescribed and it could be a different skin condition.  You need to seek advice form a dermatologist regarding diagnosis and further treatment.
Best wishes,
Dr José