rash on palms

[lever230]

Hi Doctor, I am a white male, Caucasian, 31 yrs. old. I have written to the expert forums many times here; thx for the help.

I have been having sex with 50yr old obese Caucasian women and I have asked her if she has any STD’s; she said no, but yes, I know that is not a sure confirmation.

We have had sex numerous times over a year and a half, but always with condoms, the last exposure was 3 weeks ago and she was on her period. I used a condom, and always shower immediately after. So after a long duration of intercourse, I notice lots of blood on the condom and some on the base of my penis. I showered immediately.

Now 3 weeks after the incident, I have had a rash on both palms and slight tingle on my right sole for 3 days now. The rash isn’t very colorful or obvious in appearance, but it burns and itches. However, I do know that I have been facing an issue of something similar to dyshidrotic eczema on the sides of my thumb and index finger in both hands for 2 years now that turn into large peeled circles of skin, in which my dermatologist scraped for fungi and said there was none, but said it was a case of Intertrigo.

My worry is, can this be HIV or syphilis or any STD, or can it just be my usual experience with something similar to dyshidrotic eczema, the problem is I have never had it on my palms like this and I am worried it is an HIV symptoms from having sex with her on her period.

What are HIV and Syphilis rashes on the palms specifically look and feel like anyways? Could this possibly be related?

Also, if possible, how risky is sex with a women on her period who may have HIV?

Thank you as usual

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Glad to hear it.   Take care. EWH

[lever230]

Just got out of the dermo, he said exact same thing you said.

Gave me mometasome cream.

Signs of dishydrosis

[lever230]

Ok thank you doctor

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Low risk becasue your exposures were condom protected with a partner who is in a group that is not particularly likely to have any STD, including syphilis or HIV.  In contrast, a high risk exposure would be an unprotected exposure to a man who has other male sex partners.    

As I said, rather than play games, I suggest you see your dermatologist about your palm rash.  eWH

[lever230]

Thank you doctor.

For further clarification, do I need to worry, I mean, what do you mean by it being a low risk?

And are palm rashes common, or are they immediatly linked to diseases like HIV?

Thank you

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome back to the Forum. You must be using another pseudonym as I do not see previous posts from you.  Please do not change names, this makes it harder for us to provide you with quality advice.  

In general your partner sounds to be low risk and condom protected sex is safe sex, thus your risk for infection is quite low.  Both HIV and syphilis are less common than average among heterosexual women.  There is no particular increase in HIV risk if your partner is having her period at the time of sex.

As far as your rash is concerned, you should see your dermatologist for evaluation.  Syphilis can cause a variety of rashes on the palms of the hands.  HIV does not produce a particularly characteristic rash on the palms.  My guess is that this is your eczema but again, I cannot make a diagnosis over he internet and would not try.  If you rahs is syphilis, (or HIV for that matter) a syphilis (or HIV) blood test would be positive.  The likelihood that this is either infection however is low.

I hope these comments are helpful to you. EWH