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What Causes Breakouts On Arms Despite Having Negative HIV Test?

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Posted on Fri, 29 May 2015
Question: hi my arms have been breaking out lately is this a rash ? Most importantly is it an HIV rash ? Ive taken 2 test in the past 6 months and both negative but i dont think this is normal i have no orher symptoms except for this
doctor
Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (46 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
does not look like HIV rash

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for your question.
This looks like folliculitis, an inflammation of the follicles on your arm. It does not look like an HIV rash. Also if you have had two HIV tests at least 3 months apart then you do not have HIV. Your doctor could treat this folliculitis with a antibiotic or a steroid cream. Don't worry about HIV, that is not the cause of this rash.
Regards,
K. Robinson MD
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson (31 minutes later)
Okay thanks , and do you know what the cause of this is ? Im 22 is this normal ?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (36 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
yes it is normal

Detailed Answer:
While we do not know the exact cause, it is a common problem where the pores get blocked. Sometimes using acne cream like benzoyl peroxide helps get rid of it but usually it just goes away on its own after you get a bit older. Avoid scrubbing it vigorously, just use gentle soaps and no perfumes or scented lotions on it.
I hope it clears up for you soon
Dr. Robinson
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson (19 hours later)
Okay , but one more question folliculitis a sign of the hiv rash i read online something about it , sorry i keep asking im just trying to cover all the possibilities
doctor
Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (27 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
not usually

Detailed Answer:
HIV can present with many types of rashes but this is not a typical HIV rash. HIV rashes are usually red and splotchy rashes and are often on the trunk. Your rash looks like typical folliculitis. If you have had two negative HIV tests then you do not need to worry about HIV.
Regards,
Dr. Robinson
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

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

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1989

Answered : 3535 Questions

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What Causes Breakouts On Arms Despite Having Negative HIV Test?

Brief Answer: does not look like HIV rash Detailed Answer: Hi and thanks for your question. This looks like folliculitis, an inflammation of the follicles on your arm. It does not look like an HIV rash. Also if you have had two HIV tests at least 3 months apart then you do not have HIV. Your doctor could treat this folliculitis with a antibiotic or a steroid cream. Don't worry about HIV, that is not the cause of this rash. Regards, K. Robinson MD