Hi

I've been going crazy Googling all day and can't seem to come to a suitable conclusion.

I posted about my risk a while ago Really Freaking Out About Risk Involved .

Today I noticed three patches of dry skin (it's winter here btw and really cold) on my shoulder and it looks like eczema to me as I do have a patch of eczema on my neck (had it on and off for almost a year with negative HIV tests) however I think this could also be an ARS rash though I am not entirely sure.

So my question is, can ARS Rash be inidicative of acute infection without any other symptoms being present?

I don't have a fever, night sweats - I feel perfectly fine except for three dry spots on my shoulder that seem to be really dry and flaky and red, which I think might be a symptom of ARS as I read somewhere online the rash can be drying out. Could this be ARS?

Thanks

[Dr Sean]

Hello again,

You've had this before and you know you were HIV negative at the time because you were tested - so logically this is more of the same.

Can you have an ARS rash without other symptoms - probably although I've not seen it. I think it very unlikely indeed.

Why don't you just test using a 4th generation combined antibody/p24 antigen test? That would then dispel this for you.

Best wishes, Sean

Hi Dr. Sean

My concern is that this isn't like the normal eczema I have on my neck, it suddenly appeared on my shoulder exactly 2 weeks after the cause for concern.

I would love to get a 4th generation test however that test isn't readily available here in Toronto, Canada. The only test that can be administered by a family physician or clinic is the INSTI Test or a standard Antibody Test...as you can tell we have a long way to go...the only place they do a 4th generation and NAT test is on the other side of the country in Vancouver.

However getting one here is almost impossible unless you have some sort of referral for me ;D

Anyhow my main questions are:

1) Could three dry skin patches - are those ARS symptoms?

Thanks

[Dr Sean]

Hello again,

yes, I understand.

I don't believe that your limited rash as described is a manifestation of HIV. I don't think you have HIV from your previous post / description.

The INSTI's are excellent tests and we find that they correctly identify new HIV positive patients at the same time more or less as the HIV DUO's - they are very good indeed. Over 99% of new HIV positives will be correctly identified at 6 weeks using an INSTI so it may be a comforting test for you.

best wishes, sean