Symptom?

Hello Doctor's

I have a question about canker sores.  I've read that HIV positive people can have an increased frequency of them.  

1) Could a person start getting recurrent HIV related canker sores within 2 monthes of infection?
2) Are canker sores even related to HIV?
3) If so, is there any kind of similar pattern between HIV related canker sores?

Thanks for your help.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Ulcers in the mouth sometimes occur in overt AIDS, due either to actual canker sores or other problems that cause similar lesions.  However, I stress "overt AIDS".  This is not a symptom of early HIV; it is pretty much limited to people with multiple other manifestations of AIDS, mostly in people who are deathly ill.  I have never heard of oral ulcers as the only symptom of HIV or of being the very first symptom.

So the direct answers are:

1) No, probably not.  2) Yes, in advanced AIDS.  3) The oral ulcers that mimic canker sores in AIDS don't occur as single lesions that appear one at a time.  Mostly this presents with multiple ulcers in the mouth all at the same time.

Since you don't describe whether you have any other symptoms, and don't say anything about your behavioral risks for HIV, I cannot comment directly on the likelihood you have HIV.  But if recurrent canker sores are the only problem, you can be pretty sure HIV isn't the problem.  Of course see your personal health care provider if the canker sores persist or keep coming back, or if you otherewise remain concerned.

Best wishes--  HHH, MD

[BlueJays78]

I received a handjob from a prostitute. But it's a bit different from other cases because she definately had vaginal secretions on her hands. And there was some somewhat bad chaffing on my penis. This is the episode that I'm worried about.  

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

I disagree.  This isn't at all different than many other cases.  Dr.  Hook and I have repeatedly stated that handjobs carry no risk even when genital secretions are used as lubricant.  Nobody in the world ever caught HIV by such an exposure.  This is not something for you to worry about.  Safe sex to prevent HIV transmission means using condoms for vaginal and anal sex.  Nothing else matters to a significant extent.

[BlueJays78]

Thanks doctor.

[BlueJays78]

So, basically your saying that these canker sores are not due to HIV?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Read my original reply.

For every thousand people with canker sores, I'll bet no more than one has HIV.  And that person would have an obvious, recognized risk factor for HIV.

You came here for reassurance.  I gave it.  Accept it or don't, it doesn't matter to me -- but don't argue about it.  Any more "yes but" or "what if" questions and the entire thread will be deleted without further comment.