Rash below belly button concerned

[a445]

Hi everyone,

I have had a small pimple rash below my belly button for 3 weeks now but it is seeming to escalate. I believed it to be irritated hair follicles It does not itch and was previously clear but is now turning a little pink.

I did not believe I had any reason to worry about HIV but is has prompted to think of an occasion when I may have unprotected vaginal sex 20 months ago.

A picture of the rash is here https://imagebin.ca/v/3gOqTsxW9XN5

It is currently only about 10 spots.

Any information please?!

[Jim Allen]

Not even sure why you would think this is hiv related.
Anyhow best thing you can do is see a doctor about the rash so they can treat it.

As for your risk, unprotected intercourse is a risk so test for HIV and whilst you are at it also test for other far easier to transmit STI's.

Remember to use condoms going forward no exceptions and to test at least yearly as routine for STI's inculding but not limited to HIV. Testing is the only way to know.

Jim

[a445]

Sorry, I should give more detail.

The rash has been around for a month or so but has just recently started to intensify.

I've also recently shown other symptoms which have worried me such as bleeding gums, stiff neck and muscle ache.

I believe the encounter 20 months ago could have been high risk, although I didn't completely remember it occurring. I'm very worried but don't know, if I'm creating it in my head. I've booked myself a doctors appointment.

[Jim Allen]

Look nothing you mentioned is HIV specific and the truth is most people initially experience none.

Glad to hear you are going to see a doctor about whatever is making you ill, whilst you are seeing them for that in addition you should test, as unprotected intercourse is a risk so test for HIV and and also for the other far easier to transmit STI's.

Going forward, use condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse, correctly and consistently, every time, no exceptions.

Keep in mind that some sexual practices which may be described as ‘safe’ in terms of HIV transmission might still pose a risk for transmission of other STI's, so please do get fully tested regularly and at least yearly for all STI's including but not limited to HIV and test more frequently if unprotected intercourse occurs

Also note that it is possible to have an STI and show no signs or symptoms and the only way of knowing is by testing.

More information on HIV Basics, PEP, TaSP and Transmission can be found through the links in my signature to our POZ pages, this includes information on HIV Testing

Kind regards

Jim

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