HomeAnswersHIV/AIDS specialisthivI have red marks around my tongue, and I fear it is due to HIV. Please advise.

Can red marks around the tongue be due to an HIV infection?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At July 31, 2023
Reviewed AtDecember 12, 2023

Patient's Query

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 vein of my eyes would pump. It was to the point 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 OraQuick 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 that are typing all of this do not even have a degree. Please help me.

Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com.

I thoroughly read your query and understand your concern. It started from 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 an OraQuick test for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), and it was negative. So you do not have HIV infection. Night sweats may have occurred due to stress, and what you have guessed is correct. I suggest the following: 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.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Shah Sushma Kant
Dr. Shah Sushma Kant

HIV/AIDS specialist

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