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What Causes Lesions On Back With Negative HIV Test?
Question: I had hiv exposure two times first one on 12 XXXXXXX and second one on 22nd May. I did 3rd gen hiv test on 29th September. Result negative. Very recently I found at my back some pimple sort of thing. I am attaching photographs. Is it hiv related rash?
Brief Answer:
No relation to hiv
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I understand your concern regarding your skin problem and I hope I am able to help you in the same.
I have seen the attached picture.
You seem to have developed few lesions of folliculitis which is simply a superficial hair follicle infection.
I don't think this is anything related to hiv.
Also since in your case,you have already been tested to rule out hiv infection ,so you need not worry about hiv.
A test done at three months after any suspected exposure is confirmatory to rule out hiv .
So rest assured .
Apply a topical antibiotic cream like neosporin or mupirocin over the lesion twice daily.
It should heal soon with treatment .
Do not apply any other cream or oil over the affected area.
Hope it helps
Dr Geetika Paul
No relation to hiv
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I understand your concern regarding your skin problem and I hope I am able to help you in the same.
I have seen the attached picture.
You seem to have developed few lesions of folliculitis which is simply a superficial hair follicle infection.
I don't think this is anything related to hiv.
Also since in your case,you have already been tested to rule out hiv infection ,so you need not worry about hiv.
A test done at three months after any suspected exposure is confirmatory to rule out hiv .
So rest assured .
Apply a topical antibiotic cream like neosporin or mupirocin over the lesion twice daily.
It should heal soon with treatment .
Do not apply any other cream or oil over the affected area.
Hope it helps
Dr Geetika Paul
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks Doc.
Just my doubt is as per NACO window period is 6 months. Where as other countries mentioning 3 months.
Just my doubt is as per NACO window period is 6 months. Where as other countries mentioning 3 months.
Brief Answer:
Can get a repeat test done
Detailed Answer:
Hi again
Yes you are right .
The window period for hiv testing is three months and the person is declared as negative for hiv if the test is negative even three months after the suspected exposure.
But yes ,naco advises testing at six months post exposure too .This is valid especially in people who are immunocompromised in whom the antibody response might be delayed .
In most healthy people ,three months report is definitive.
But to be doubly sure ,you can surely go for a repeat testing at six months ,although I do not usually advise this in my patients .
Dr Geetika Paul
Can get a repeat test done
Detailed Answer:
Hi again
Yes you are right .
The window period for hiv testing is three months and the person is declared as negative for hiv if the test is negative even three months after the suspected exposure.
But yes ,naco advises testing at six months post exposure too .This is valid especially in people who are immunocompromised in whom the antibody response might be delayed .
In most healthy people ,three months report is definitive.
But to be doubly sure ,you can surely go for a repeat testing at six months ,although I do not usually advise this in my patients .
Dr Geetika Paul
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Can you be little specific about which kind of cases considered as immuno Compromised people?
After completing HIV test at 4.5 months of last incident I was feeling free. From recent googling I came to know about NACO's requirement and again started feeling the anxiety.
In general I am a healthy person. Just suffering from Post nasal drip since last 3 months. Otherwise I did not have fever since last 8 years.
Also to ask you my last exposure was protected vaginal sex and deep throat kissing.
After completing HIV test at 4.5 months of last incident I was feeling free. From recent googling I came to know about NACO's requirement and again started feeling the anxiety.
In general I am a healthy person. Just suffering from Post nasal drip since last 3 months. Otherwise I did not have fever since last 8 years.
Also to ask you my last exposure was protected vaginal sex and deep throat kissing.
Brief Answer:
Rest assured ,do not worry
Detailed Answer:
Hi again
Immunocompromised people are those who are either suffering from some chronic illness like lover or kidney problems or those who are on oral steroids ,anti cancer drugs or other immunosuppressive drugs .
You seem to be a normal healthy male,so a testing done at 3 months would be more or less definitive in your case .
But I can understand that you are quite apprehensive about the same ,which is obvious too .
As told earlier ,I usually do not recommend a re testing at 6 months to my patients since in most places on the world ,the guidelines suggest the final testing to be at three months only .
As far as the contact is concerned , you had used contraception which further decreases the chances of acquiring hiv or any other std .
So my advise would be to relax and not worry .
You can surely go ahead and get a re testing at six months ,just to relieve your worry .
Dr Geetika Paul
Rest assured ,do not worry
Detailed Answer:
Hi again
Immunocompromised people are those who are either suffering from some chronic illness like lover or kidney problems or those who are on oral steroids ,anti cancer drugs or other immunosuppressive drugs .
You seem to be a normal healthy male,so a testing done at 3 months would be more or less definitive in your case .
But I can understand that you are quite apprehensive about the same ,which is obvious too .
As told earlier ,I usually do not recommend a re testing at 6 months to my patients since in most places on the world ,the guidelines suggest the final testing to be at three months only .
As far as the contact is concerned , you had used contraception which further decreases the chances of acquiring hiv or any other std .
So my advise would be to relax and not worry .
You can surely go ahead and get a re testing at six months ,just to relieve your worry .
Dr Geetika Paul
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Thanks a lot Doc. Just the last and final question.
Is there any case of HIV infection by deep throat kissing?
Do you know any case where HIV test negative after 3 months turned positive after 6 months?
Is there any case of HIV infection by deep throat kissing?
Do you know any case where HIV test negative after 3 months turned positive after 6 months?
Brief Answer:
Unlikely
Detailed Answer:
Hi again,
Transmission of HIV virus can occur in deep kissing only when there are any cuts, mucosal lesions or ulcers in the oral cavity which can lead to contact with blood of the infected person .
Also late seroconversion in case of hiv ,although a known phenomenon but is very very rare .And I have not encountered any such case till date .
One can go for the higher tests like PCR for HIV Dna/rna or p24 antigen detection in case of any doubts. These tests are not antibody dependent and are quite confirmatory.
Dr Geetika Paul
Unlikely
Detailed Answer:
Hi again,
Transmission of HIV virus can occur in deep kissing only when there are any cuts, mucosal lesions or ulcers in the oral cavity which can lead to contact with blood of the infected person .
Also late seroconversion in case of hiv ,although a known phenomenon but is very very rare .And I have not encountered any such case till date .
One can go for the higher tests like PCR for HIV Dna/rna or p24 antigen detection in case of any doubts. These tests are not antibody dependent and are quite confirmatory.
Dr Geetika Paul
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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