How To Identify An HIV Rash?

Posted on Sun, 24 Jul 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 24 Jul 2016 Answered on

Tue, 16 Aug 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi - I wanted to know whether the symptoms of HIV would present themselves at 7.5 weeks? Specifically would the rash

1) come and go?

2) itch and feel very hot

3) not be present with other symptoms?

4) still be present after 11 weeks?

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Sunil Jangid (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Not due to HIV.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,

Welcome to HCM.

Itchy rash after 11 weeks of exposure is not specific symptom of HIV so don't get worried. It might be due to some other infection. Consult dermatologist to isolate the cause and follow the treatment regime as per the advice.

You can go for HIV testing to relieve your anxiety. The result will surely be in your favor. For any further query feel free to ask me and I am always here to help you. Be relaxed and move ahead in life with your family.

Thank You

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Sunil Jangid (1 hour later)

The rash comes and goes with exercise/heat and I have diarrhoea and headaches. I have also lost weight. Blood test reveals no issue. What other causes could these be?

Answered by Dr. Sunil Jangid (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It might be due to some other bacterial or viral infection.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,

Welcome back and thanks for follow-up.

The symptoms you have are common with chronic bacterial or viral infection. Consult your physician, go for some investigation to isolate the cause and follow the treatment regime as per the advice.

If you are worried about HIV then best way to allay your anxiety is to get tested so don't think so much and go for HIV testing to clear your doubt. For any further query feel free to ask me any time.

Thank You

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Priyanka G Raj

Follow up: Dr. Sunil Jangid (3 hours later)

Thanks for the feedback. I intend to get tested at 12 weeks - which is next week. I am still suffering from this rash - and some swollen glands/sweating. No fever or any other symptoms. My assumption is this would be unlikely HIV. Is this correct?

Answered by Dr. Sunil Jangid (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes absolutely.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,

Welcome back once again.

The rash is absolutely not due to HIV so no need to worry and get tested after 12 weeks to get 100% conclusive result which will relieve your anxiety.

Thank You

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Priyanka G Raj