Fast forward to symptoms

Doc, I am not going to waste your time explaining my exposure. I believe it is an at risk exposure so I will proceed to explain my symptoms. The only at risk exposure occured roughly 5-6 years ago. I had no immediate symptoms that I can recall. I found out immediately that the women was of risk (though I thought at the time it was for herpes) so I starting obbsessing with checking my genitals for warts, blisters, lesions, etc. I am a 25 year old male by the way. I finally noticed (not sure how long later) a faint red rash on the top of my penis head that didn't hurt, itch, or anything...just there. That is still there with no reaction to fungal cream (doc thought yeast). Fast forward to today. I develop rashes on my body after hot showers. I have recurring "lesions" in and around my mouth (tested + for small amounts of hsv-1). Look more like small pimples with a white head. I frequently smoke marijuana in small amounts. Last night after smoking I broke out with welts/hives all over my face that itched. They went away hours later. Also have a small discomfort in/around my anus. I have a rash on my knuckles. Also get blotchy palms. After being very healthy all my life, the past two winters I caught a cold/flu and this winter it progressed to sinusitis. What I want to know is if the symptoms can be related to severely stressing (also causing anxiety) for the past 6 years therefore weakening my immune system...or if you have any other ideas.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

This does not concern me for HIV.  Before I tell you why however, one question--have you been tested for HIV in the 5 or more years since your exposure.  If you have been anxious for that long and not been tested, why not?

Symptoms of the sort you describe are not part of HIV, either acutely or chronically.  The appearance of hives is far more suggestive of an allergic reaction of some sort.  Similarly, rashes tend to become more prominent in the shower or bath because of the effect of the warmth of the shower on blood flow to the skin.

As for your rash, to get a definitive answer, go to a dermatologist.  It would not be proper for me to try to diagnose this over the internet, nor fair to you.  As for the HIV, if you are worried and have not had a test, get one, and believe the results (I am reasonably confident the result will be negative).  Finally, regarding whether or not anxiety could be causing this - yes, it certainly could and, I suspect, is.

Hope this helps.  EWH

[99_9]

Doc, thanks for the prompt response. Here's the thing. As I stated before, I was originally worried about herpes. Because of this I was waiting to see symptoms before going to the doc. I never saw symptoms so I finally decided to goto a planned parenthood. They did test for HIV. The problem is I am not 100% sure how long post exposure this was. I feel it was ATLEAST over 3 months, if not 6. Furthermore, it wasn't something we discussed in great detail during or post appointment given I was there about the herpes. Also, I never got a negative test result, they were just supposed to call if it was positive.

I also didn't mention a cluster of warts I have developed on my chin that has been there for 3-4 years. They are very small, almost not noticable. If all these symptoms are from the same exposure and it isn't hiv, herpes, chlamydia, gonorhea...what else could it be???

Thanks again for the response...this site is VERY helpfull. You should sleep good at night knowing you are of such help to so many people!

[99_9]

Doc, sorry to bring the post back but I'm freaking out. I was on the internet trying to figure out the warts on my chin and came across a site that said these warts (Filiform warts) are common in bearded hiv+ patients. Well guess what...I have a beard. I did make an apt. with my GP, but can't visit till early next month. Is there another explanation besides hiv???