Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date. I have been positive for 4 years, before I was diagnosed my hands and feet would itch real bad at least 3 times a day. When I started my meds it stopped, my viral load has been undetected for 2 years. But now in the last 6 months it shows, now my hands and feet started itching again. My doctor swithed my medicine when viral load showed, right after that it started. Please give me some advice?
Ross Slotten, M.D.
Klein and Slotten Medical Associates
Private Practice in Family Medicine
With a special interest in HIV disease
Please let me rephrase your question, because I'm not sure if I understand you. You state that you have been HIV positive for four years. Prior to your diagnosis, you suffered from severe itching of your hands and feet. When you started HIV medication, however, your itching stopped. You and your doctor attributed your symptoms to uncontrolled HIV infection. Six months ago, your viral load became detectable and your itching recurred. So your doctor changed your medications, which is logical. If your viral load becomes undetectable again, but your itching persists, then something else is causing the itch and you need further evaluation. Otherwise, it is crucial to take your medication religiously so that the virus doesn't break through again.
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