Advice needed for 16 year old boy with HIV

[mrsp30]

hello everyone,

we live in the Caribbean. My son has a friend of 16 who was born HIV positive. He grew up in a childrens home as his mother died when he was still a toddler. Last year he moved in with his grandmother (our neighbor) after running away several times. She loves him with all her heart but is very poor. The boy is much loved in our house hold and everyone calls him my second son.
Although health care on this Island is more or less free, not all prescriptions are free, and not all doctors are caring and understanding.
A few months ago the boy has had some gashes above his foot that happened when playing football, they didnt heal, at first we thought it was because he was in the sea everyday and the sea water, although healing, can have the reverse reaction and stunt healing. We advised he stay away from the sea for atleast a week. They didnt heal.  The grandmother gave him some traditional medicine but he said that made more gashes, he went to the doc who gave him an ointment, but again it made more gash looking sores. Now he has more gash looking sores, about 10-15 on each ankle and lower shin area!
They are open sores with fresh looking bloody scabs, I thought they could be ulcers but there is no weeping as such and no blisters, just raw looking, he says they dont hurt but ive recently noticed slight swelling on each foot.

I dont want to step on the grandmothers toes as she is doing the best she can, but im worried this might be leading to something worse.

I dont know much about conditions with HIV, am i worrying over nothing serious? Or should I speak to the grandmother with out concerns.

I know im asking everyday people here and not asking doctors but any advice would be grateful

michealla

[Jeff G]

I think the best you can do is encourage the grandmother and young man to seek medical attention . I'm wishing you the very best and welcoming you to our forum .