How to treat rash and lymph node swelling after oral sex?

Question

Hi doctor,

I gave oral sex to a man whose HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) status was unknown six weeks ago. I now have rash under both armpits and a swollen lymph node in my neck. I am attaching pictures of the rash and the lymph node. Could this be ARS (anti-retroviral syndrome)?

Kindly guide.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I saw the attached pictures (attachment removed to protect patient identity). Oral sex has the least possibility of ARS (acute retroviral syndrome). I do not think you have ARS. Do you have dandruff, an earache, or a toothache? Do you have a history of a cold or a cough? If the rashes appeared after six weeks of oral sex, then get a CMIA fourth-generation test done. It can be HSV (herpes simplex virus) or any other sexually transmitted disease. I suggest you consult a skin specialist or a venereologist. The other possibilities are more likely than HIV infection.

At present, for the rash, I suggest you try the following: Tablet Atarax (Hydroxyzine) 25 mg, one at night for 10 days. Ointment Betnesol-N (Neomycin and Betamethasone), locally, two or three times a day. Fluconazole powder, to sprinkle over ointment. For the enlarged lymph node, I suggest you try taking the following: Tablet Amoxiclav (Amoxicillin and Clavulanic acid) 625 mg, two times a day after lunch and dinner for five to seven days. Tablet Signoflam (Aceclofenac, Paracetamol, and Serratiopeptidase), two times a day after lunch and dinner for three to five days. If, with treatment, the lymph node swelling goes down, then it is not an HIV infection.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.