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What Causes Redness And Swelling On The Side Of Neck?

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Posted on Mon, 10 Aug 2015
Question: I had redness on the left side of my neck followed by a swollen occipital gland for two weeks. About a week later, I have noticed a lot of small skin issues like scalp breakout and some acne on my face (I usually don't have acne). I've also had some peeling of skin on my feet. Is this HIV? The exposure was receptive oral sex with ejaculation 18 days before the appearance of the redness on the neck. The person got sick with ARS type illness 6 days after the exposure. help.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (44 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Unlikely to be HIV!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about this rash and all the disturbing information about HIV. I have review your information fully. The timeline of your symptoms following the unprotected sexual encounter is not suggestive of HIV AIDS. Symptoms often tae a little longer to start. Also, the risk of contracting HIV through oral sex is not as alarming as through vaginal sex. Though this risk is minimal. we can never completely role out. The best way to address this problem fully and know exactly where we stand is to do an HIV test. I will recommend you get tested with your partner. If the results are negative, for sure it is not HIV. This will put your mind to rest.

I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and do feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ivo Ditah (6 minutes later)
So, acne is not worrisome? As I stated, the first symptom appeared 18 days after exposure...also, the person having ars symptoms 6 days after exposure, would his viral load have been very high at the time? We had oral sex on May 1 and he had ars symptoms on May 7.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (4 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Has he been tested?

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

It is difficult to talk about high viral load when we are not sure this person is HIV positive. I can tell you have contact and good communication with this person and the best thing to do will be to get him tested. if you both are cleared, then for sure this is not HIV.

The difficult task is that we can only say the probability is big or it is low. Getting tested is the ideal way to provide definitive answers. However, the symptoms, the encounter are suggestive of a low probability.

Acne and HIV are not too typical. Please, try to get a more relaxed mind and work on this to get results for HIV testing.

Let me know what your thoughts are and what your greatest fears are that I may not have identified and addressed.
Note: Get personalized answers to your HIV related queries You can choose to talk face to face with your doctor. Book a Video Call now.

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

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 3984 Questions

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What Causes Redness And Swelling On The Side Of Neck?

Brief Answer: Unlikely to be HIV! Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you so much for this query. I am so sorry to hear about this rash and all the disturbing information about HIV. I have review your information fully. The timeline of your symptoms following the unprotected sexual encounter is not suggestive of HIV AIDS. Symptoms often tae a little longer to start. Also, the risk of contracting HIV through oral sex is not as alarming as through vaginal sex. Though this risk is minimal. we can never completely role out. The best way to address this problem fully and know exactly where we stand is to do an HIV test. I will recommend you get tested with your partner. If the results are negative, for sure it is not HIV. This will put your mind to rest. I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and do feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.