Expert: Terry B - 9/2/2007

Question
10 weeks ago, I did something very stupid.  While on a business trip over seas, I received unprotected oral (2 minutes) and had protected vaginal sex with a professional.  The condom remained intact during intercourse.  I've been tested for several STDs (excluding HIV) and the results have been negative.  Now after 10 weeks, I have 1 small, light pink, soft rash/blotches on my forearm.  The total area is ~ the size of a quarter, maybe smaller.  I am nervous.  I had planned to be tested for HIV in two weeks.  Does this rash/blotches sound like an early sign of HIV?  Based on the info provided, what is the likelyhood of contracting HIV?  I anxiously await your reply.  Thanks in advance.  (Also, I sent expert Ian essentially the same question earlier today)

Answer
Dear Calvin:

Peace.  I assume "Ian" will give you some sage advice, all I can really add will be my own speculation.  I hope between the two of us you find the information you need.

Condoms reduce but do not eliminate risk of transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) including HIV, but your negative results suggest you were not infected; why HIV was excluded from your testing is a bit of a mystery, but a question for whomever provided you with testing and counseling - and I would suggest you ask.  Being tested for HIV antibodies and/or p24 antigens at this time should produce a pretty reliable result - again, something you might ask of your face-to-face counselor.

Lastly, regarding your described rash or blotches, it is most probable that this has been produced by something other than HIV.  If you did not contract another STD (most of which are more easily transmitted than HIV) it is less likely that you contracted HIV; a rash or skin blotches could be symptoms stemming from many other causes.

In conclusion, if you have continued serious concerns about HIV I would strongly recommend you meet again with whomever provided you with counseling and testing for STDs, and ask for follow-up HIV testing and review of your results.  I don't think waiting two more weeks would necessarily make that much difference in the reliability of the results.

Peace and all good things to you and yours.

Terry