Suggest Treatment For Red Rashes And Bumps On Scrotum When Diagnosed With HIV

Posted on Mon, 10 Aug 2015

Question: I have a concern. First I am HIV positive. All counts are good. Dignosed 3 years ago. Last CD4 745. My question, about 2 months ago I developed a rash. Red bumps, has not gone away. My dr gave me a prescription for a steroid cream. Did not clear it up. Now he has put me on a anti fungle cream, on my third day now. No improvement. I was not seen he just called in the proscriptions. Very itch, now I notice 5 larger bumps on my scrotum seem quite larger and red not puss or pain, just itch., that don't look like the tiny red bumps on my inner thigh. No puss or sores and no pain. I noticed the red bumps after a long car ride 12 hours to the beach. I have been working outside more than I ever had and have sweated Alot. I worry its herpes, but I havent had sexual contact with anyone. My domestic partner has now noticed pumps but we have not have had sex, but we have shared a towel.
My questions
is this more like a fungle infection or std?
How long dose herpes outbreak last, and dose it make a difference if u have hiv?
how long dose fungus rake to get rid of?

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
sounds fungal

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for your question.
This sounds like a fungal rash. In the summer when it is hot these are very common. It does not sound like a sexually transmitted infection.
Herpes is painful, very painful, not itchy. You are not likely to get herpes froma towel.
If there are blisters and pain it could be herpes but that is not what you have described.
It can take weeks for a fungal infection to resolve and sometimes you may even have to try a different antifungal cream. Lamisil (terbinafine) is a good one if the one you have is not working.
Let me know if you have other questions
Best wishes,
Dr. Robinson

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson (12 minutes later)

How long should I give the fungle cream to work before I ask for a different prescription? To be fair it's only been 3 days.

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (1 minute later)

Brief Answer:
at least two weeks

Detailed Answer:
Sometimes it really takes a long time to heal up a fungal infection. I would give it at least two weeks before giving up and trying a different antifungal.
Dr. Robinson

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar