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What Causes Swollen Lymph Nodes In Neck Post Unprotected Sex?
Question: Hello,
I had unprotected sex with a male... I am also a male back in March. I took an HIV test about 20 days after the unprotected sex and it was neg. What prompted me to take the test of I had one swollen lymph node in my neck for which I went to the doctor, he put me on some meds and the swelling did go down but it is still swollen some it just feels hard. About four days ago the skin on my lower fingers and started peeling on both hands... Now I have been poking my lymph nodes in my grion and they seem swollen. I know I am driving myself crazy but typically does only one lymph node swell with HIV? And would Skin Peeling have anything to do with any HIV or any STD? I have read where it says Syphilis is common with both symptoms and or Mono... I know I need to get to the doctor and cant for three days... I just want some kinda idea I suppose. Thankyou for your help
I had unprotected sex with a male... I am also a male back in March. I took an HIV test about 20 days after the unprotected sex and it was neg. What prompted me to take the test of I had one swollen lymph node in my neck for which I went to the doctor, he put me on some meds and the swelling did go down but it is still swollen some it just feels hard. About four days ago the skin on my lower fingers and started peeling on both hands... Now I have been poking my lymph nodes in my grion and they seem swollen. I know I am driving myself crazy but typically does only one lymph node swell with HIV? And would Skin Peeling have anything to do with any HIV or any STD? I have read where it says Syphilis is common with both symptoms and or Mono... I know I need to get to the doctor and cant for three days... I just want some kinda idea I suppose. Thankyou for your help
Brief Answer:
Bacterial or viral infection unrelated to STD.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your query at HCM.
I understand your concern and situation.
I realize that you have enlarged lymphnode and skin peeling. I am not sure if the two symptoms are related. But if the are, then I would consider bacterial infections as the most likely cause and not related to STD.
So taking all symptoms together it is possible that you might have contracted some bacterial infection which is causing skin peeling and lymphadenopathy. You might require intravenous antibiotics for cure. I feel it is not STD but I recommend that you must get tested for STD also to rule them out.
Beside bacterial infection, viral infections including EBV and CMV can be related. Therefore you should get monospot test done and serological tests to rule this out. I also suggest that you must take HIV PCR test after 6-7 weeks post exposure and 4 th generation ELISA test to rule out HIV. Further a physician's examination and if necessary biopsy will be necessary to arrive at a conclusion.
In a nutshell, the symptoms you have is less likely to be due to STD or HIV. I am not even sure if infection is the most likely cause of those symptoms. But in this context, we should conduct test that includes STD and HIV tests to officially exclude STD and HIV beyond doubts.
Hope I answered your query.
If no clarification then you can close the discussion and rate the answer. A review will be appreciated.
Dr. Sheetal Verma
Bacterial or viral infection unrelated to STD.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your query at HCM.
I understand your concern and situation.
I realize that you have enlarged lymphnode and skin peeling. I am not sure if the two symptoms are related. But if the are, then I would consider bacterial infections as the most likely cause and not related to STD.
So taking all symptoms together it is possible that you might have contracted some bacterial infection which is causing skin peeling and lymphadenopathy. You might require intravenous antibiotics for cure. I feel it is not STD but I recommend that you must get tested for STD also to rule them out.
Beside bacterial infection, viral infections including EBV and CMV can be related. Therefore you should get monospot test done and serological tests to rule this out. I also suggest that you must take HIV PCR test after 6-7 weeks post exposure and 4 th generation ELISA test to rule out HIV. Further a physician's examination and if necessary biopsy will be necessary to arrive at a conclusion.
In a nutshell, the symptoms you have is less likely to be due to STD or HIV. I am not even sure if infection is the most likely cause of those symptoms. But in this context, we should conduct test that includes STD and HIV tests to officially exclude STD and HIV beyond doubts.
Hope I answered your query.
If no clarification then you can close the discussion and rate the answer. A review will be appreciated.
Dr. Sheetal Verma
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Any idea what kind of Bacterial infection would cause this?
Brief Answer:
Gram positive bacteria.
Detailed Answer:
Hi dear.
It could be Staphylococcus, enterococcus, Escherichia coli etc which can secondary infections on wounds. But this is only a possibility. You need to take tests to rule them out. The infections can be cured after applying topical antibiotics.
Take care
Gram positive bacteria.
Detailed Answer:
Hi dear.
It could be Staphylococcus, enterococcus, Escherichia coli etc which can secondary infections on wounds. But this is only a possibility. You need to take tests to rule them out. The infections can be cured after applying topical antibiotics.
Take care
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
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