Aa
Confused
Hello Doc I am from Costa Rica
I had what I thought was a low risk encounter with 3 different sex workers. The problem is 4 weeks after the encounter I developed a rash on my fingers and a week later the skin on my palms started to peel. It lasted about 3 weeks right after that the skin on my feet started to peel. So, I thought I would look it up and found a description of ARS rash and there it was. Now I am freaking out and going crazy. I had a PCR DNA and AB test done at 54 days which came back negative.
1. Does a rash show up alone or the symptoms all come together? Although not conclusive how encouraging are my results at 54 days? 2. The skin peeling on feet and palm, weight loss and night sweats sound like ARS?
Thank you in advance
I had what I thought was a low risk encounter with 3 different sex workers. The problem is 4 weeks after the encounter I developed a rash on my fingers and a week later the skin on my palms started to peel. It lasted about 3 weeks right after that the skin on my feet started to peel. So, I thought I would look it up and found a description of ARS rash and there it was. Now I am freaking out and going crazy. I had a PCR DNA and AB test done at 54 days which came back negative.
1. Does a rash show up alone or the symptoms all come together? Although not conclusive how encouraging are my results at 54 days? 2. The skin peeling on feet and palm, weight loss and night sweats sound like ARS?
Thank you in advance
Thank you so much for your help sir...
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
"Just to clarify 54 days PCR DNA and AB are conclusive enough?"
Yes. I haven't changed my mind in the past few minutes. It is impossible to have HIV with both those tests being negative.
Yes. I haven't changed my mind in the past few minutes. It is impossible to have HIV with both those tests being negative.
Thank you so much doctor.
My exposures were condom protected but I was too drunk to remember if it was used correctly. I didn't a fever at all. The peeling of the palm and feet is skin is what has me worried. I have read on thebody.com stating those can be a ARS symptoms. Do you think that's the case?
Just to clarify 54 days PCR DNA and AB are conclusive enough?
Thank you again
My exposures were condom protected but I was too drunk to remember if it was used correctly. I didn't a fever at all. The peeling of the palm and feet is skin is what has me worried. I have read on thebody.com stating those can be a ARS symptoms. Do you think that's the case?
Just to clarify 54 days PCR DNA and AB are conclusive enough?
Thank you again
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the forum.
You don't describe the nature of the encounters, so I cannot comment on whether or not they were truly low risk. I don't know the HIV situation in commercial sex workers in Costa Rica, but my guess is that relatively few are infected.
But test results ALWAYS outweigh symptoms and exposure history, if done sufficiently long after exposure. 54 days is plenty of time; your negative tests prove you were not infected and that something else is the cause of your sympotms. And your symptoms don't really sound much like ARS anyway. ARS usually doesn't cause rashes that end with peeling, and you don't mention fever, which almost always is present.
If your symptoms persist, continue to work with your personal doctor or clinic to learn the cause and possible treatment. But you can completely forget HIV or any other infection you caught from the sex workers.
Regards-- HHH, MD
You don't describe the nature of the encounters, so I cannot comment on whether or not they were truly low risk. I don't know the HIV situation in commercial sex workers in Costa Rica, but my guess is that relatively few are infected.
But test results ALWAYS outweigh symptoms and exposure history, if done sufficiently long after exposure. 54 days is plenty of time; your negative tests prove you were not infected and that something else is the cause of your sympotms. And your symptoms don't really sound much like ARS anyway. ARS usually doesn't cause rashes that end with peeling, and you don't mention fever, which almost always is present.
If your symptoms persist, continue to work with your personal doctor or clinic to learn the cause and possible treatment. But you can completely forget HIV or any other infection you caught from the sex workers.
Regards-- HHH, MD
You are reading content posted in the HIV - Prevention Forum
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
Can I get HIV from surfaces, like toilet seats?
Can you get HIV from casual contact, like hugging?
Frequency of HIV testing depends on your risk.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may help prevent HIV infection.
