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FOLLICULITIS persistent ; but Negative at 83
Hi,
Around 14 weeks ago I had oral and vaginal sex with an escort in UK. I went to my GUM clinic on the 12th day for a sexual health screening. I tested negative for bacterial infections (clamidya and gonnoreha). I saw a few spots developing on my right arm then.
A few days later the spots spread. I went to my GP she said it was folliculitis. Before going to the doctor I researched a lot about spots coming about after sex and saw a lot about HIV rash. I was very paranoid. I HAVE NEVER HAD FOLLICULITIS BEFORE THIS. She told me "I wouldn't worry". The folliculitis took near 9 weeks to somewhat die down (but not completely go). Now nearly at week 14 pot exposure it's coming back/ come back. It has recurred a few times since exposure.
I am very paranoid because of the timing of the folliculitis. Surely co-incidence can't be that true. I am 19 years old and I feel that I might have ruined the rest of my life. Not to mention all the other symptoms I have since had; fever, stomach abnormalities (when I push my stomach in and out it makes a sloshing sound).
I have for HIV tested negative at 30 days , on the 56th day and on the 84th day (83 days post exposure). The clinic said its a 4th gen test / duo, but conflicting info from the Internet, clinic and sexual health charities has fuelled even more anxiety. The health worker said my most recent on the 84th day test was conclusive but my folliculitis is still worrying me.
Is folliculitis related to HIV infection, and especially repeated folliculitis ? Are my tests conclusive ?
Around 14 weeks ago I had oral and vaginal sex with an escort in UK. I went to my GUM clinic on the 12th day for a sexual health screening. I tested negative for bacterial infections (clamidya and gonnoreha). I saw a few spots developing on my right arm then.
A few days later the spots spread. I went to my GP she said it was folliculitis. Before going to the doctor I researched a lot about spots coming about after sex and saw a lot about HIV rash. I was very paranoid. I HAVE NEVER HAD FOLLICULITIS BEFORE THIS. She told me "I wouldn't worry". The folliculitis took near 9 weeks to somewhat die down (but not completely go). Now nearly at week 14 pot exposure it's coming back/ come back. It has recurred a few times since exposure.
I am very paranoid because of the timing of the folliculitis. Surely co-incidence can't be that true. I am 19 years old and I feel that I might have ruined the rest of my life. Not to mention all the other symptoms I have since had; fever, stomach abnormalities (when I push my stomach in and out it makes a sloshing sound).
I have for HIV tested negative at 30 days , on the 56th day and on the 84th day (83 days post exposure). The clinic said its a 4th gen test / duo, but conflicting info from the Internet, clinic and sexual health charities has fuelled even more anxiety. The health worker said my most recent on the 84th day test was conclusive but my folliculitis is still worrying me.
Is folliculitis related to HIV infection, and especially repeated folliculitis ? Are my tests conclusive ?
Everyone's immune system is unique and concerning acute hiv infection some people experience less common symptoms.
The list of possible symptoms is long.
This is why testing is so important, it is the only way to know.
Today's testing methods are among the best out there in sensitivity at detecting hiv.
Virtually everyone will know there fait by 8weeks.
You tested conclusively negative.
Work with your Dr as advised but be open to other possible reasons.
The list of possible symptoms is long.
This is why testing is so important, it is the only way to know.
Today's testing methods are among the best out there in sensitivity at detecting hiv.
Virtually everyone will know there fait by 8weeks.
You tested conclusively negative.
Work with your Dr as advised but be open to other possible reasons.
3 Comments
You say "be open to other reasons". By that do you mean that despite negative results folliculitis may still be HIV related ? Or can I RULE OUT folliculitis being caused by HIV?
It means the latter.
Since you are CONCLUSIVELY NEGATIVE for HIV, you can absolutely rule out folliculitis! As iommi advised, see your doctor as there ARE other reasons a person can have this problem which have nothing to do with HIV.
Is HIV a difficult virus to catch ? Also, do I need to test again ?
1 Comments
Your questions have all been answered, thoughtfully and thoroughly. As you have been told, your tests are conclusive, and continue to work with your doctor regarding your folliculitis.
We are closing this thread and wish you the best.
Emily
We are closing this thread and wish you the best.
Emily
Do I need to get another test as I am now past the 90 day mark ? My last test was on the 84th day (83 days post exposure). Also, is it possible that the tests aren't detecting antibodies and antigen present in the body?
1 Comments
Your results are conclusive, which means you are hiv negative. You dont need to test any further. Your folliculitis is NOT caused by HIV. period. Work with a doctor to find out the cause of your condition. I believe there is nothing more to add.
The thing is I have never had folliculitis before. Not everything in life is co-incidental. I am very worried despite negative test results. Can anyone tell me about the relationship between folliculitis and primary HIV infection ?
1 Comments
Again, as Iommi has pointed out, effects of recent hiv infection differs from one person to another. There is no uniformity. You have had 3 negative results. If your folliculitis is caused by HIV, you would have tested positive. Your folliculitis is not hiv related …
"Is folliculitis related to HIV infection, and especially repeated folliculitis ?"
Hiv can cause many different things to someone recently infected.
"Are my tests conclusive ? "
All 3 tests you took could have easily been positive if indeed you were.
You tested conclusively negative as test results trumps symptoms.
Not sure what conflicts you are referring to.
Hiv can cause many different things to someone recently infected.
"Are my tests conclusive ? "
All 3 tests you took could have easily been positive if indeed you were.
You tested conclusively negative as test results trumps symptoms.
Not sure what conflicts you are referring to.
2 Comments
Doctors have told me that folliculitis probably isn't due to ARS, but the timing of it worries me. does it Mage a difference testing on the 84th day (83 days post exposure) or on the 85th day (84 days post exposure)?
No difference in the day counts. You are conclusively negative. Please accept your result and move on with your life. Continue to work with your doctor to address your ailment.
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