Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

What does HIV/ARS rash look like?

Hello. I had a risky exposure recently where I was performing insertive anal and the condom failed. I was drunk so I did not realise until ejaculation. The woman I performed on was risky (needle drug user). I know it’s definitely a risk and I plan to get checked at the appropriate checkpoints.
I know symptoms aren’t a very good indicator but I just wanted to know what ARS rash looks like. 6 days after exposure I noticed these insect bite like marks on my arms - is this too soon? They came in clusters and lines of three (on both forearms, my right shoulder, and a line of 3/4 on my upper back). I then had one or two dotted maximum around elsewhere on my body (nothing on my trunk or abdomen). It’s February and I live in Canada so there’s no chance it would be mosquito bites. I’m now over two weeks post exposure and they’re still here but have faded considerably. I was wondering whether this sounds like HIV rash? It doesn’t look much like the ones I’ve seen online as they are far more widespread and less localized.
I then developed a very feint sore throat on day 8 which I still have now, and a mild persistent headache which comes and goes through the day.
1 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
3191940 tn?1447268717
COMMUNITY LEADER
Too soon for an ARS rash, and an ARS rash will always appear on the torso.  Additionally, ARS rashes don't itch (you didn't mention if yours did or not).
Helpful - 0
2 Comments
Thanks for your words. I dont remember it being itchy, maybe very very slightly at the start but not much (if it all). They faded massively within 3/4 days but I can still see a hint with a pointy red center in the places. Mainly on my arms and shoulders but only 3/4 on the side of my back and maybe one at the top of my back. Like I said these are clusters of two or three next to each other, not widespread and spread over the torso and arms like I’ve seen in pictures (maybe 11/12 spots in total). Does the rash sometimes look like individual insect/bed bug bites? And would it usually come without a fever (I’ve measure myself temperature at its 36.1 Celsius).
You're ignoring the other advice and focusing on the itch.  You don't have an ARS rash for multiple reasons.
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the HIV Prevention Community

Top HIV Answerers
366749 tn?1544695265
Karachi, Pakistan
370181 tn?1595629445
Arlington, WA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
Can I get HIV from surfaces, like toilet seats?
Can you get HIV from casual contact, like hugging?
Frequency of HIV testing depends on your risk.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may help prevent HIV infection.