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BLISTERS, pimples in groin, thigh after sex. HERPES/HIV?

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Hello. I am a 45 year old woman who has type1 diabetes. I had unprotected vaginal sex with a man about 52 days ago. He didn't ejaculate in me. Since then I have had high anxiety about my status. The man told me he was okay, but I am dubious. I have had some minor symptoms that correlate with both genital herpes and HIV, but I don't know if I am just being hypersensitive. They are as follows:

Possible genital herpes symptoms: sporadic tingling sensations in my groin area, a breakout of one sole tiny blister (the size of the head of a pin) that had a whitehead but no clusters or pain on my upper inner thigh about 15 days after exposure which disappeared the next day, a number of about 8 pimples in that same area on the upper inner thigh that were not clustered together but scattered and had no fluid or pus visible after 44 days of initial exposure and about 30 days after the blister incident, of which disappeared the next day. That same area has since had a mild itchy rash about 2-3 days after the pimple incident, but has cleared up now ( I am inserting pictures of this breakout and rash), some sporadic dull groin pain on one side where lymph nodes are located, but no swelling, some sporadic pain in both armpits not accompanied with swelling either, and I've also had a couple of minor headaches between the initial exposure and now. Sporadic shooting leg and foot pain as well.

Possible HIV symptoms: all of the above plus what seems to be the beginnings of a scratchy, sore-ish throat starting today which is day 52 (about 7 weeks and 3 days after exposure), lost 8 lbs since exposure.

So far after 52 days, no swollen lymph nodes, no rashes, no open, weeping sores, no muscle aches, no fever, no night sweats

I know that is a lot of information to absorb, but I want to be as comprehensive and detailed as possible so that you may give me your most accurate assessment.

Thank you

Category: Sexually Transmitted Diseases(STD)Specialist

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Category: Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeon
 32 Doctors Online

Hello

Thanks for posting your query at DoctorSpring.com

I can understand your concern.

You seem to be having an allergic contact dermatitis in that area which also has superadded bacterial infection. The itching and pimples are due to that. The allergy could be due to contact with an irritating substance and the bacterial infection have caused what we call as folliculitis.

I would recommend application of cortisone cream and mupirocin cream twice a day if you still have any rash. You can take tab. Claritin once a day for itching.

Please let me know if you have any queries.

Take care


Patient replied :

I do have more queries, if you please. Ok so to be clear, the pictures of the breakout area on my skin near the groin is NOT a primary herpes outbreak? And that none of the other symptoms I listed resemble genital herpes? Does me having had unprotective receptive vaginal and oral sex with a male partner of unknown status, who did not ejaculate inside of me, make me a strong candidate for an HIV infection? Do the early symptoms that present with HIV (acute retro viral syndrome) typically do so at around 7.5 weeks as I have been experiencing mild, sporadic pain in my groin and armpit area, a couple of minor headaches, weight loss of about 8 lbs, and just beginning last night a sore throat and mild muscle aches? As of now I have had no fever, no rash, and no feeling of swollen lymph nodes. Can you tell me what the most distinguishable and unmistakeable symptoms an early HIV infection would be and when do they typically present themselves after initial exposure? Do any of the symptoms I listed at 7.5 weeks post exposure fit the criteria of an HIV infection? And finally, I know the average time for a person to have symptoms from ARS is 2 - 6 weeks, but when is the latest time after exposure that acute retro viral syndrome can occur? Please Dr. Banodkar, give me your most detailed medical opinion of all my questions as I am extremely worried about my status and am desperately looking for answers. Thank you.


The pictures you sent does not show that you had herpes.

The symptoms that you mentioned could have indicated genital herpes if there were a cluster of fluid filled blisters which was not the case.

Acute retroviral syndrome usually presents at one month after the exposure. You would be considered to be at risk since you do not know the status of your partner , secretions during the sexual activity also carry a risk of hiv transmission.

The symptoms usually are of a flu like illness. Fever, cold, sore throat, body ache, fatigue, loss of appetite etc.

It's difficult to comment whether what you are suffering is an acute retroviral syndrome. It will be worthwhile to get a hiv test done now and one after three months from the initial exposure to get an idea whether hiv is positive or not. Just on the basis of your symptoms one cannot make a diagnosis of hiv.

I would recommend that you visit your doctor who can recommend the blood tests for you.

Take care


Dr. Kruti Jobanputra Banodkar
Category: Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeon
Experience: 
Diploma in Dermatology - Royal College Of Physicians & Surgeons Of Glasgow, UK , 2010
Residency - DNB, Dermatology -  K.J Somaiya Hospital, Mumbai, 2009
Medical School & Internship - MBBS - Dr. D . Y . Patil Medical College, Mumbai, 2004
Dr. Kruti Jobanputra Banodkar and 4 other Medical Specialists are ready to help you

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