I'm noticing my skin tone is getting darker since I moved to Chennai, and I'm really concerned about it. I'm also breaking out with pimple-like wounds all over my body, which I think might be due to the heat. I usually walk to the office around 8:45 am, and my skin is exposed to the sun for just about 10 minutes. I use VLCC sunblock with SPF 30PA and even cover my face with a scarf, but the darkening is happening all over, including on areas like my legs, stomach, and back, which are covered. I'm not sure if it's just the sun causing this. Can you help me figure out how to lighten my skin tone?

Dr Chandra P

General Practitioner

• MBBS
• 5+ Yrs

Consult Now

Negative HIV test after 2 years, but symptoms persist:

Interpretation:

1. HIV-negative status confirmed.
2. CD4 count (1197) is normal.
3. RNA PCR (viral load) undetectable.
4. Antibodyantigen serology negative.

Symptoms may indicate:

1. Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS)
2. Opportunistic infections (e.g., oral thrush)
3. Allergic reactions
4. Other health conditions (e.g., autoimmune disorders)

Recommendations:

1. Consult an infectious disease specialist or immunologist.
2. Rule out other infections (e.g., fungal, bacterial).
3. Consider:

• Antifungal treatment for oral thrush.
• Topical creams for lip itching and rashes.
• Pain management for tongue pain.

4. Monitor lymph nodes and repeat testing if necessary.
5. Address anxiety and stress through counseling or support groups.

Late seroconversion unlikely:

Given your negative HIV tests and undetectable viral load, late seroconversion is unlikely.

Answered 04/07/2025