Can red marks all around my tongue indicate HIV infection?

Question

Hi doctor,

It all started when I was in the mirror, and I saw these red marks all around my tongue. So, I was panicking and did not know if they were called pupils. I was so scared and shocked when I searched on the web. Out of nowhere, it took me to HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). So that is where it took my breath away.

I was so depressed and sad in my room. I was putting guilt in myself for all the symptoms I had, like neck and leg pain, and the veins in my eyes would pump. It was to the point that I was so depressed that I fell asleep, and then I woke up in the middle of nowhere with sweat. It was nothing major. I do not sweat in my sleep at night all the time.

I was just depressed. I was so scared to go to a doctor as I had the fear of HIV. So I bought myself an HIV test kit, and I guess it said negative. I was happy but not quite, because I felt like I was still having something.

My neck still hurts, and my legs always hurt. Other people said it was my anxiety and my mind. Some people told me to stop searching online because some of the people who are typing all of this do not even have a degree.

Please help me.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I thoroughly read your query and understand your concern.

It started with a red mark around your tongue. You searched and diagnosed yourself with HIV, and your search ended in papillae. It is not concerning, and I suggest you consult an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist. You had also undergone a test for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), and it was negative. So you do not have an HIV infection. Night sweats may have occurred due to stress, and what you have guessed is correct.

I suggest that you consult an ENT (Otolaryngologist) specialist. Till then, apply glycerin-containing mouth gel over the tongue. Use Stomela gel (Choline salicylate, Tannic acid, and Benzalkonium chloride) three times a day. Open your mouth and apply it while your tongue is out so that some saliva comes out for one minute. Then, as such, close your mouth and keep your tongue in so that medicine remains. There will be no harm or reaction. It smooths your tongue, and the papillae will recover in five or six days. Take tablet Azithromycin 500 mg for three days. If still not recovered, then consult an ENT specialist if needed.

I hope this cleared up all your queries.

Regards.