Q and A

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

Answer: Josh Peasegood

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?

Please see this link for more information about PEP:
https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq

Josh.

16 comments

  1. Simon Collins •

    Hi Yaves, if you were in the UK, the doctor who gave you PEP should also tell you about PrEP. This is better that to keep using PEP. It can also be used just when you want ot have sex, so it uses much fewer doses. This is usually only 4 pills for 2:1:1 dosing of nine pils for 2:7 dosing. Pls see this guide:
    https://i-base.info/htb/47180

  2. Yaves •

    This is the 3rd time taking post-exposure prophylaxis PEP. Whenever I started taking them I am having itchy in forehead.
    Us that normal how can I avoid this, nor able to get to a doctor, if any natural treatment will be better

  3. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Twijukye,are you keeping the medication dry? When in water if the medication is dry the tablet will start to dissolve. This would mean not all of the tablet would be there and your dose be reduced. If they are dry and you are using the water to cool the packet they are in, this would be safe.

  4. Twijukye •

    While taking PEP medication after 6 hrs of exposure, I was keeping the tin of pills in cold water for cooling because inside my house was very hot. Can this be dangerous to the pills?

  5. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Moses, please see here: https://i-base.info/guides/testing/symptoms-and-seroconversion

  6. moses njakwe •

    Hi what are some early signs of hiv