Question
I'm newly diagnosed. What's causing me continous itching?
8 May 2012. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, Newly diagnosed, Starting treatment.
I was diagnosed in March and my CD4 count was 569 and viral load 2790. On my
second blood test after two weeks my CD4 went up to 695 and viral load 6250.
I am meant to go back in 4 months for another test.
But now my face is itching and I have been given a cream by my GP to apply on it but it’s still
itching. What is wrong with me?
Help needed
Answer
I am sorry that you are experiencing what sounds like quite an uncomfortable itch.
A CD4 count of 695 and a viral load of 6250 indicates that your immune system is still strong. A slight change in your CD4 count is not uncommon. This is because, CD4 counts flactuate (vary) depending on a number of factors including the time of day they the test is done. As regards your viral load, even though there is a slight variation, statistically, there is no difference between the two numbers.
There is therefore, no immediate need for you to start treatment. The BHIVA (British HIV Association) guidelines recommend starting treatment with a CD4 count of 350. In terms of viral load, most people start treatment with a viral load of up to 50,000-100,000 copies or more.
For your future reference for when you do need to start taking treatment, you may find it helpful to read our guide to An introduction to combination therapy.
You mention that you were diagnosed in March, do you know if you were recently infected? Can I also ask which hospital you receive your HIV care from?
In response to your question, as with any symptoms, the best way to confirm what is causing the continuous itching despite applying the prescribed cream, is to go back to your doctor. S/he will be able to confirm why you are still experiencing the itching, and treat you accordingly.
Best wishes.
Hi Doris, what is the name of the treatment you have been taking? and are you taking them everyday?
After how long between starting treatment did you notice this itching? and is this something you have experienced before?
Have you tried anything to help with this itchiness and have you noticed any other symptoms e.g., pain in your tummy, changes with your urine, any rashes anywhere? As with all skin changes you should speak with your doctor so they can investigate appropriately.
Hi
I am hiv positive diagnosis march 26 2022 i have been on drugs seen then,but I feel itching all over my body after scratching it ,it swallow I don’t know why
Hi Obineme,
If this is something that you were experiencing before you were infected with HIV, this would imply that it isn’t HIV related. The best thing to do would be to talk to your doctor.
Is it normal for my body to itchy without rash.
My body itch me alot but no rash.
Though i have been experiencing that before I was infected.
But its more often now.
Hi Obineme,
I’m sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis. But it’s good to see your CD4 count is in the range of normal for someone who is HIV negative.
Unfortunately supplements and multivitamins will not treat your HIV. But starting ART will.
So it’s a good idea to contact your GP and ask why they said to delay starting ART. The START study showed that HIV treatment has important benefits for your health, even if your CD4 count is still high.
Please check with your doctor why they said not to start now. Here is an Introduction to ART. There’s a lot of info here, including about starting ART.
Good day
I am HIV positive person
I was diagnosedin March 2020..
My viral load was 1247 and CD4 is 591
Is it right to take selenium regularly with multivitamins and zinc supplements.
My GP told me not to start ART now.
Hi B,
I’m sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis. But what does your doctor say about your itchy legs? Mild side effects can happen when starting HIV treatment (ART). But they usually go away in the first week or two.
It’s important that you see your doctor if you have a rash though. As this could be a sign of serious reaction.
What meds are you taking? And do you have access to your CD4 count and viral load results? Please let us know.