HIV Testing

Hi Doctor,

Thanks for all the great work you do.  

I had a low risk encounter 11 weeks ago (heterosexual sex).   I tested negative at 11 weeks.  During weeks 7 and 8 my dermatologist had me apply clobetasol cream for a rash I had on my thigh.  I applied it daily during those two weeks.  I have read that clobetasol is a corticosteriod which can suppress the immune system.  My question is could my 11 week negative result be a false negative due to the cream I had taken?  Also, I had a full STD panel done and it all came back negative.  Would any of those results have been affected due to the cream?

Thanks for your help on this.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to the Forum. There is no evidence that steroids taken in any way slow or delay the development of antibodies to HIV.  Any theoretical risk for steroids in general is not applicable to topical steroids.  The reason topical steroids are used topically is so that they can have direct effect without significant absorption and systemic side effects.  I would trust your test results.  You do not need further testing.

Take care.  EWH