Hi,
approx 15 weeks ago I had unprotected sex with a risky female. Felt very guilty and anxious. Saw own GP as felt I had a Kidney/ urinary infection. He prescribed AB's.
2 weeks post event I had Gon/ Chla/ HIV tests at GUM clinic all neg. I was still experience a lot of anxiety and associated symptoms especially "pin and needles" and slight burning sensation in neck, forearms and calves (thought just sunburn as been in sun. GP thought anxiety symptoms.
At 4 weeks GP did routine blood tests and HIV - again neg and bloods normal.
Shortly after this began experience severe burning sensation in palms of hand, neck, toes and feet which was almost there constantly and itchy skin (feet and anus -thought athlete's foot & piles suffered in past with both). Again thought anxiety, I was given some anti-depressants but stopped taking them as made no difference and bad side-effects.
At 10 weeks took independent HIV, Hep & Syph test again all neg. Burning sensation stopped around this time, still pins and needles.
Had final check at GUM clinic 12 weeks - all tests neg.
Last week began to get severe itch in front of anus. Saw private STD specialist as thought Herpes ( I was never tested for this (never had any sore etc)) He said I had a severe fungal infection no sign of Herpes. Now the severe burning is back in palms, feet and toes.
I know I should be relieved as all tests negative but this constant burning is really worrying as I don't know cause.
I guess my question is - does this sound like
1. Anxiety 2. Neuro problem (GP referred me for consult) 3. Undetected Herpes 4. Severe fungal/ candidal infection or 5. something else!!
Hope you can help!!

[Dr Sean]

Hello

Thank you for posting.

I think the fact that the repeated STD tests are negative conclusively rules out any form of STD. Given your apprehension about STD's and what you say is a guilty feeling then it does seem likely that this is an anxiety disorder predominantly.

Your GP seems very good indeed and has made an appropriate referral for you to the neurologist.

I suspect the outcome of that referral will be negative - ie you will not have a previously unidentified neurological disorder and all will be well.

I acn't offer you any solutions I'm afraid.

best regards, Sean

Hi Sean,

thanks for your reply.
Am I correct in saying from your reply, that the Burning sensation, pins and needles in hands,feet, toes etc and general itch are not consistent with any STD symptoms?
If this is the case I feel you're right and it is probably anxiety related and I have to "move on" and as they say time is a great healer. I think if I know it's not related to an STD i should be OK - just hard with these symptoms!

Thanks once again,

yours

D

[Dr Jose]

hello D,
I will answer to your question this time. I totally agree with my colleague Sean Cummings about the fact that your symptoms are not related to an STD. Moreover your symptoms do not correlate with any sexually transmitted infection.
Best wishes,
José

Hi Jose & Sean!,

thanks for reply. That's great. Will put all behind me and hopefully things will improve now.

many thanks again

D

Hello Sean & Jose,

sorry, one last question.

Could my burning palms and itch be Hep C ( vaccinated for Hep A & B.)?
The person I am concerned about, I feel, may have been an ex iv drug user.
I know I have had neg Hep tests at 10 &12 weeks but I have read these are not too reliable.

Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

yours

D

[Dr Sean]

Hello again,

"Could my burning palms and itch be Hep C ( vaccinated for Hep A & B.)?"

No - you're ok.

best wishes, Sean