Awaiting test results - Rash - very worried

[shaken_55]

Hi all.  My 20 day test results were negative.  I recently took a PCR test and am currently waiting for the results. Somedays I am fine but on other days I'm terrified.  This morning (25 after unprotected vaginal sex with woman of unknown status) I woke up with a small itchy rash on my neck.  The area is a little larger then a quarter and is slighy pink and irritated. This set my fear off again. I have no other symptoms but this rash has really gotten me concerned. I spoke with a woman at the lab and she said the results should be in tomorrow or wednesday. This ordeal is proving itself to be very difficult.

Does anyone know what a rash associated with HIV looks like. Is 25 days too late or too early for primary HIV related symptoms? I know symptoms are poor indicators but I can't stop worrying. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

[Alex73]

I suggest you do not focus on your symptoms. Your rash does not sound like ARS rash which is usually non-itchy and generalised, i.e. not concentrated on one spot. Have a simple Antibody test at 6 weeks post exposure. am sure you will be fine.

[RB888]

Shaken

The rash is meaningless -forget about it. The biggest thing going for you is the rarity of transmission from a one time encounter especially from female to male.

The PCR will clear things up for you soon. PCR's are very sensitive. Did you take the FDA approved PCR (Aptima)? If not - so you're aware,  there is a chance for a false positive because of the high sensitivity for HIV but somewhat lower specificity to HIV. A negative pretty much assures you"ll continue to test nagative.

Again - forget about the rash - focus on the high likelyhood you're going to test negative.

RB