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Is A Red Rash On Back A Symptom Of HIV?

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Posted on Sat, 22 Nov 2014
Question: I had some hiv exposure 7-8weeks ago that I had done p24 antigen test and 4thgeneration test at 19days while on pep then did a hiv pcr 6days after pep completion all negative. and I had been advised by several doctors that I was indeed negative. with full blood count that was advised by my doctor as okay. But now I observed some reddish bump kind of pimple or rash at my upper back inbetween. Is this symptom ? please advise as my panic triggered all over...
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (36 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Skin lesions unlikely to be HIV.Rule out HIV 2

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HCM.
Thanks for sending your query.

Negative P24 Antigen test and 4th generation Combo test by 19 days and the HIV PCR (?DNA or RNA) at 6 days after completion of PEP (34 days?) had ruled out the possibility of HIV 1 infection.
Regarding a rare possibility of HIV 2 infection, most of these antigen test did not include the antigen for HIV 2 and as you are still under in window period the antibody part of 4th generation test would not be able to detect the same, the test preferably may have to be repeated 12 weeks after the high risk activity to get a more conclusive result regarding HIV 2 infection.
Regarding the skin lesions (the pictures sent by you) were not specific in anyway to HIV. More like an Acne form eruption(Drug induced?).
Consult a Dermatologist. He/she will help you for these skin lesions.
Dr S.Murugan
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (5 minutes later)
I am in South XXXXXXX the Doctors said what is prevalence here in South XXXXXXX is HIV1 and they had ruled me out of HIV infection generally but I will test at 12 weeks to put my mind at complete rest since I suffer from anxiety and high blood pressure. The main thing am concerned is the rash, so doctor this has nothing to do with hiv, i mean the rash kind of
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (8 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Rashes have not related to do with HIV.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
Yes you are correct. Except in certain parts in XXXXXXX the rest of the world, HIV 1 infection is the commonest. HIV 2 is very very rare. Anyway it is better to rule out that rarest possibility also. Rashes are not related to HIV.
Dr S.Murugan
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (4 minutes later)
I will see my doctor in the morning my time, I do have kind of bumps sometimes and because of what had happened everything I see I think its hiv related. I had consulted with over 5 specialist online and 4 doctors locally here they all said same thing and still with my results. I do have some skin break outs with severe pimples on my face some times. Mostly when am stressed. Thank you for the time Doctor.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (5 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Get well soon.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
You are most welcome and get well soon from these pimples.
Dr S.Murugan
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (23 minutes later)
Doctor you are right about hiv 2 being very very rare also in my country south XXXXXXX see below sir:
Infection with HIV-2 has important implications for the diagnosis, treatment and management of the infection. The objective of this study was to describe the seroprevalence and molecular epidemiology of HIV-2 in KwaZulu-Natal – the province with the highest HIV prevalence in South XXXXXXX which in turn is the country with the highest HIV prevalence in the world. HIV-1 positive samples were screened using a rapid test for HIV-2. Samples showing antibody positivity were subject to molecular confirmation by PCR and / or serological confirmation by Western blot. There was a large difference in results (10.6% by Western blotting versus 0% by PCR). This discrepancy between molecular and serological confirmation by Western blot. There was a large difference in results (10.6% by Western blotting versus 0% by PCR). This discrepancy between molecular and serological confirmation was attributed to cross-reacting antibodies. The use of rapid tests and Western blots for HIV-2 diagnosis in South XXXXXXX should, therefore, be interpreted with caution. Based on the results of this study, HIV-2 is most probably not present in KwaZulu-Natal.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
HIV 2 antibody test rules out HIV 2 infection

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank for your additional information on HIV 2 prevalence in South XXXXXXX PCR is not able to detect HIV 2 normally unless it also contains reagents to detect HIV 2 antigen whereas Western blot test can detect HIV 2. So this discrepancy is possible if the HIV 2 prevalence not analyzed.
Dr S.Murugan
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (1 hour later)
Alright,thank you doctor. I will see my go for the rash on my back.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Rashes can be treated easily.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome. You will be alright soon.
Dr S.Murugan
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (14 minutes later)
Thank you, my doctor said I should rule out hiv infection and incidence. even some doctors from here also said same thing. I will go treat the rash, I also had a test done yesterday that was also negative, forget to tell you. Thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (18 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Most welcome

Detailed Answer:
Welcome.
If you don't have any more questions you can very well close the conversation.
Dr S.Murugan
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan

HIV AIDS Specialist

Practicing since :1974

Answered : 3110 Questions

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Is A Red Rash On Back A Symptom Of HIV?

Brief Answer: Skin lesions unlikely to be HIV.Rule out HIV 2 Detailed Answer: Hi, Welcome to HCM. Thanks for sending your query. Negative P24 Antigen test and 4th generation Combo test by 19 days and the HIV PCR (?DNA or RNA) at 6 days after completion of PEP (34 days?) had ruled out the possibility of HIV 1 infection. Regarding a rare possibility of HIV 2 infection, most of these antigen test did not include the antigen for HIV 2 and as you are still under in window period the antibody part of 4th generation test would not be able to detect the same, the test preferably may have to be repeated 12 weeks after the high risk activity to get a more conclusive result regarding HIV 2 infection. Regarding the skin lesions (the pictures sent by you) were not specific in anyway to HIV. More like an Acne form eruption(Drug induced?). Consult a Dermatologist. He/she will help you for these skin lesions. Dr S.Murugan