Question
Are rashes a sign of HIV while I am on PEP?
11 July 2022. Related: All topics, PEP/PEPSE, Side effects.
I am currently taking TLD after a potential HIV exposure . Ever since I’ve been taking it I sometimes get itchy skin which happens on some days but not others. I also have had a rash develop a few times on my arm, behind my knee, around my lower back near my hip.
The rash looks like hives and each time I had it, it disappeared within 2-3 hours . I’ve been taking PEP now for about 26 days (started it 36 hours after potential exposure). Could what I am experiencing be signs of HIV?
Answer
Hi, how are you?
These rashes alone are not suggestive of HIV. While you are on PEP it is more likely a side effect or caused by any stress you have ongoing.
Have you had any other changes in your life since starting PEP?
As this is a skin reaction, it would be advised to speak with you doctor. Have you noticed if the rashes are less now that you have finished TLD?
Josh.
Hi Dorice, no this is not a symptom of HIV. It is possible that this is an effect of PEP. Are you able to speak with your doctor or pharmacist about these symptoms?
This is the fifty day taking PEP And am getting rashes on my face.. headache might it be a symptom of HIV
Hi Teena, hives is not a symptom of HIV. Please follow this link for more information: https://i-base.info/guides/testing/symptoms-and-seroconversion
I am having same symptoms. Is hives a symptom of hiv
Hi Ohuma, a 4th generation test will be conclusive from 6 weeks. It is up to 95% accurate from 4 weeks.
Thanks for getting back to me. I completed PEP almost 2 weeks ago. When can I take a 4th generation test that will give an accurate result ?
Hi Ohuma, these are not signs to be worried about. As the rash is only lasting an hour it is not suggestive of HIV.
What you have described about the needle is suggestive of an injury caused by the blood test. This is normal and is not concerning for HIV.
Thanks for your reply. I stopped taking them because I ran out and I was waiting for a new prescription which came today. I got the same type of rash yesterday and I think it had bumps this time but it was also gone within an hour. Today I had my blood taken and where they stuck the needle and put the plaster the area around it turned red and the point where the needle stuck me got swollen into a bump and was sore for about 2 hours then it went back to normal. Are these any signs I should be worried about ?
Thanks
Thanks for getting back to me. It’s weird because I’m no longer getting that type of rash but I’ve been getting a different one since the last 2 weeks or so. What I am getting now seems to be some redness that appears on my chest. Sometimes it is flat and other times it is raised but I don’t notice any bumps or anything. It also goes away within like 1-2 hours on its own. I also only seem to get it on my upper chest and right below my pec muscles. It also feels warm to touch. The only change I’ve made has been that I haven’t been taking my antihistamine tablets as I have hay fever . The whole thing has been stressing me out. Does what i have described sound like it could be signs of acute HIV? Today is my 2nd day off PEP
Thanks
Hi Ohuma, this does not sound like early stages of acute HIV. Why have you stopped taking antihistamines? Your rashes are likely associated with your hayfever and taking them should help with these symptoms.