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.
Hello Chucks and thanks for getting in touch.
This service for people living with HIV is about treatment.
We do not answer Qs about HIV risk or HIV testing.
For more information please read the link below:
https://i-base.info/qa/11844
Good day.
I had unprotected sex wit my ex girlfriend last month,
Thou her hiv status we checked yesterday was negative,.
For the past 3 weeks i have beeb having constant general body itching without a visible rash, I’ve gone to treatment and after all treatment,it was resolved and later came back,i tested for hiv yesterday 26th july and it was negative,does it mean it will still be positive?
Hello Chicke and thanks for getting in touch.
This service for people living with HIV is about treatment.
We do not answer Qs about HIV risk or HIV testing.
For more information please read the link below:
https://i-base.info/qa/11844
I had an unprotected sex with my ex girlfriend,thou her hiv status we checked yesterday 26th july was negative,for the past 3 weeks i have been having general body itching without a visible rash,ive taking injections and drugs with creams prescribed by my doctor yet the itching keeps going and coming back after few days especially in my toes and palms,i went to hiv test yesterday 26th july and its negative,does it mean its not hiv related itching..or should i return to lab for testing again?
Hello Obi and thanks for getting in touch.
Itchiness is not a characteristic sign of HIV
Please speak to a doctor about your symptoms as you will need a proper assessment
As for HIV testing please see here for more information:
https://i-base.info/qa/11844