Expert: Terry B - 10/21/2007

Question
Is it possible to develop kaposi's sarcoma as a symptom of acute HIV? My last possible exposure was less than two months ago and now I see semi-painful bruises on my legs that are redish-purple in color. I heard that the difference between a bruise and KS, though, is that when you press your finger on a bruise the color disappears for a few seconds, but with KS the color stays the same when you press on it. When I press on these "bruises" they DON'T fade. I'm really terrified! I was tested for HIV (rapid test) three weeks ago (a month after possible infection) and came back negative. But soon after I had a swollen lymph node, muscle aches and slight fever. Help!

(My risk of contracting HIV wasn't that high....but I did get a bikini wax and the woman didn't use gloves and placed her hands on my area while I was bleeding. That's the only way I think I could have gotten it.)

Answer
Dear Alex:

Peace.  Your risk sounds incredibly low.  KS is usually a symptom of late state HIV disease (AIDS) and highly unlikely.  I don't think this is HIV at all but it does sound like you should see your doctor regarding the bruises.

Hope that helps, see your provider for information, diagnosis, and treatment.

Best to you and yours.

Terry