Are Red Bumps In Legs And Redness In Hair Foicles Symptoms Of HIV?

Posted on Fri, 13 Jun 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 13 Jun 2014 Answered on

Thu, 3 Jul 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I had a possible exposure to HIV 3 weeks ago. HIV RNA tested negative after 9 days testing. Oraquick and HIv1 and HIv 2 negative...I have some red bumps in legs (3-4) show up and also some redness in hair foicles..no other symptons..could this be ARS symptoms or I am overreacting?

Answered by Dr. Praveen Rodrigues (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No ARS symptoms this! Relax.

Detailed Answer:
Hi there.
HIV mRNA testing @ 9 days would seem a fair bet. I note you have followed that up with the other Oraquick tests. So , this should suffice. Please repeat the Oraquick tests at the 6 mth interval for completion sake.
The red bumps appear to be a 'folliculitis' & could just have easily occurred following an oil massage or any mild infection.
ARS symptoms are very different & all viral infections' are not HIV.
So, Relax, & move on with your life.
Do remember to practice "Safe Sex" & use condoms in the future. It is not worth to be in this predicament again!
Good Luck & Wish you continued Good Health! Cheers!
Dr Praveen Rodrigues MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar