Question
Can HIV cause a red face in the winter?
22 February 2008. Related: All topics, Living with HIV long-term.
Hello
Firstly I find your site extremley helpful.
I was diagnosed with HIV last year and was distraught, my world had fell apart, after trying to seek help from organisations (many not very helpful) I found your site a bit of a lifeline. So thank you.
For those who are newly diagnosed, things do get better. I looked deep into my life, fears and feelings and decided I could either let it beat me or deal with it for the sake of myself and my family.
I am extremly positive about things now, I live a normal life and have decided to put into action the dream I always had to open diner restaurant (opening in June 08). My first count was a CD4 of 347 and viral load of 20,000. I went on a healing course (all about positive attitude and thinking). My following count was CD4 720 and viral load 23,000. I am waiting to receive my next results this week (I’m not on any meds yet). I really do believe positive thinking is a key factor in helping (look around you and see how many people are dealing with long term illnesses that are not HIV or who have had sudden disabling accidents) although not curable the outlook is positive and we are luckier than many others.
I no longer have the sleepless nights I did in the beginning, I look forward to tomorrow, who knows what the future holds for anyone positive or negative?
That aside……..
I do have one question….. Recently, (in the last 3 months) during the cold weather, I have noticed if I am out in the bitter cold even for a short period of time I get very red in the face almost like a chilblain effect. My skin feels a little swollen (almost like sunburn especially round the mouth and cheeks) and it stings a little. I’m not overly worrying about it, but did wonder if this sympton is associated with HIV?
I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you again
Answer
Hi
Thanks for your post and for sharing your experience. I’m glad things are going better for you.
I have not heard of any research linking your symptoms to HIV – especially with such a strong CD4 count.
On this occason, the bitter cold weather is to blame.
Good luck with the diner…
Best wishes
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