Red Ichy Lumps

[dbone]

I had sexual contact with a woman In March. Maybe a week or so after that I heard from someone else that someone she slept with (unknow if true) had just been found to have HIV. I then maybe 2 weeks after contact went and seen my doc, I had an HIV test done, and it came back negative.  I have had sexual contact with this woman 3 times in the previous year. I still do not know if she has HIV, i have been unable to reach her.  I have since had two things that are weird I guess. I have had this strange white substance on my tounge that scrapes off easly with a tounge scraper but always returns the next day.  My doc told me to use the tounge scraper after I showed him my tounge.  Also which is weird...I have had these lumps appearing mainly on my legs and thighs. There have been maybe 5 now over the past 5-6 months. They are awfull big and extreamly itchy. They diminish with the use of neosporin after about a week. I thought I had them gone the last time becasue I had not seen one in maybe a month, but then one appeared on my calf. They grow to like a head maybe, then they open up, kinda like an open soar. Maybe I am overreacting (atleast that is what they all tell me)but I cannot get the fear of HIV out of my head. I have not been sick, no cough, nothing. Just these darn bumps. Like I said they go away after maybe a week. Then I could not see one for a week, a month, whatever. They are about the size of a dime and itch. Is this a symptom of HIV, Should I worry. HELP!

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Your groin problem sounds like a bacterial infection, such as folliculitis, more than herpes or any other STD.  And tongue coating is very nonspecific, can vary with diet, with garden-variety viral infections (e.g., common cold), and usually is normal.



None of this sounds at all like HIV.  And even if the partner you are concerned about has HIV, your risk is very low.  The average risk of HIV transmission is well under 1 chance in 100, usually less than 1 in 1000, per episode of unprotected sex.



Go to a doctor or clinic to get the bumps checked out; you might need a prescription antibiotic.



Good luck--  HHH, MD

[dbone]

IT is me again. I wanted to add that I never had unprotected intercourse with this woman, only a breif oral session, if that matters. I did not give, only received. Is the risk any different?

[dbone]

Ha, It seems as if I keep forgeting some information. My doc had put me on Paxil for the anxiety, is this a symptom?

[dbone]

I am also taking Paxil CR, if that matters.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

The symptoms aren't due to Paxil or any other medicine you might have taken.  It almost certainly is not an STD, so your sexual exposure--whether oral or genital--isn't relevant.



Go see your health care provider.



HHH, MD