palm spots in ARS?

[desertGK]

please help everybody! I posted my high risk exposure previously (http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/269689). My concern is still palm rash which I had and which has significantly diminished over the last week (no more red spots, they were spread all over my palms) but still skin looks a bit irritated, rough and on top of all it's peeling in small clusters. I've found on several sites that this really can indicate ARS, I'm so afraid, next week I have my 6 week test,  really, really worried...

[desertGK]

In 3 days I go home for 6 week test....anyway it'll be turning point for me.

Thank you for the support.

[desertGK]

Don't know about the rash causes for sure. I never had it in my life, I don't take any medicines though I was drinking a lot in recent time.... it developed after several days my hands were sweating really hard. I've been to the dermatologist, he examined my palms, ordered blood test to see if it will tell him something.... Results were fine according to him, with slightly raised white cell count, he told me it's probably nothing important, it'll go by itself.... I don't know, I hope it's due to stress.

[cliff101]

Stress is known to cause all sorts of symptoms, its true.  Stress and guilt combined is a potent cocktail...especially when mixed with copious amounts of alcohol.

See, I know that and so do you.  Believing it is the hard part.  Whether you test in Dubai or back home...or fly to Europe for a short break and test there...testing is the only way to be sure.

Take care.

[cliff101]

Well, I didn't know that about Dubai...makes me awed at how far Singapore has progressed in the 14 years I've lived here.  I go to my local GP and he has to report positive results to the Ministry of Health, but they dont publish them or kick you out or anything!  I checked!  And the Action for Aids clinic here that I have just become a volunteer at is completely anonymous, even if you test positive.

Still, even with the draconian laws you seem to be living with, it doesn't stop you going to a doctor and asking for an opinion on the rash, now does it?

[desertGK]

Man, I see that we're in the same pot, however rules here are pretty clear: pos and you're OUT! No discussion, no options, pack your stuff and go. Not to mention all the possible outcomes from everybody knowing it. That scenario frightens me the most. But I have to go through with it somehow, I want to believe this is just some psychosomatic game my mind is playing with me.....

[desertGK]

believe me, I'm trying to think about other things.....but it's really really hard. I feel really hopeless, just don't want to see myself as 5 in the range of 5/10000 unlucky ones. God, it was such a brief exposure, no more than 20-30 sec (max 1min). I prey all the time.....

[cliff101]

Yeah, the whole not wanting to be one of the rare exceptions to the rule is noted.  I am there myself right now.  Logically I know its irrational, but yet...

Btw, can you think of anything else that might be causing the rash?  Any chemicals you might have come into contact with at work maybe?  Any antibiotics you were on?  Insect or other type of bites?  Allergy to something or other?

So many things causes rashes.

Go ask a Doctor is my advice (again).

[cliff101]

I am not sure about Dubai, but if you've read my personal information you'll know I am based in Singapore.  If you know anything about Singapore you'll understand that I had similar worries about getting kicked out of the country!  But let me tell you this...they cannot kick you out of the country unless you break the law!  Even if you were to test positive, being HIV positive is not against the law!  If they were to kick people out of countries for being HIV+ well that would be akin to the treatment of lepers in the dark ages!

Dubai wants to be looked upon favourably by the International Community.  Kicking HIV patients out would not help them do that!

Of course, if you got it using illegal drugs...well, thats another thing altogether.  But, even then, you dont exactly have to tell them how you got it.

And, anyway, you probably DONT HAVE IT!  Go see your regular Doctor to find out what else the rash might be a symptom of!  It could be anything!  You dont have to even mention your HIV.

[desertGK]

I had no fever, this fact comforts me a bit. Worst thing is this waiting game....I have no balls to get test in Dubai-must go home to do it, wouldn't want to see myself expelled from this country as a criminal...

[pretty_scared_tx]

The fact that you still have the rash is scary, but it could be associated with a lot of things other than HIV. I get a rash for no reason all the time because my life is so chaotic. Because of that, I can't associate the one I have right now with ars, and I don't think you should either. You're probably worrying yourself to death. Try to use these days to relax. I know it's way easier said than done, but try.

[Wear/a/Jimmy]

have you had a fever?

[cliff101]

Get the test.  It really is the only way to be sure. And go see a doctor about the rash if you're really worried. Do it before you get the test.  See what the doc thinks.

Take it from one who knows - self diagnosis through the internet borders on insanity.  Doctors attend med-school for so long and then have incredibly long internships for a reason. If all they had to do was refer to the internet for a diagnosis...well, what a huge waste of time and expense the whole training business would be.  Hell, we could all be doctors just by visting the local cyber-cafe!  See a doctor, get the test.

And finally, as I am sure you have been told before (cos I have), symptoms are not considered a reliable way to diagnose ARS.

Good Luck.