Really worried

[worried28]

Hi Dr
I'm basically just hoping you can give me some reassurance.I'm 28 male and about 18 months ago i had unprotected sex with a girl of 20 who i found out the next day had Genital herpes. After about ten days i felt some mild symptoms (pain in my bum, pains in my leg also night sweat but i think this might have been because i was so worried) Anyway every now and then i feel these mild symptoms and am sure i have genital herpes.

However about 1 month ago i developed a red rash next to my balls at the top of my right thigh. I have looked on the net and think it is either ringworm or jock itch. I am now terrified this is a symptom of HIV and that i have also caught this. I have made an appointment to see my GP in 2 days and hope he can do a blood test. At the moment i'm having trouble sleeping from the worry. What do you think?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Your rash doesn't sound like herpes; I suspect you are right about a fungal infection.  However, 25% of sexually active persons in their 20s or 30s have genital herpes and don't know it.  Given your exposure 18 months ago, it seems reasonable that you be tested, and it sounds like you have a GP who knows how to do it.  Just make sure s/he uses a truly type-specific test for HSV-2, such as the HerpeSelect test.  (See many other threads about the proper blood tests and problems with the improper ones.)

Good luck--  HHH, MD

[worried28]

Sorry doc me again. I don't know if i've got this right or if i'm overeacting but i read that people who have contracted hiv/aids often get jock itch or ringworm. I have never had jock itch or ringworm before and i'm terrified it is a symptom of HIV. When i visit my GP i want a test for HIV/AIDS.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Fungal skin infections indeed are more common in HIV infected persons than in the general population.  But they are so common in everybody that having one really doesn't imply a likelihood of HIV.  Don't worry about it.

HHH, MD