Here's a strange question for you. I was recently rimmed by someone I believe is positive. Now, I'm aware that saliva is not considered a way to transmit HIV, and that receiving a rim job is considered low risk. However, earlier in the day, before the sexual encounter, I had a little anal itch (which I sometimes get from sweating, etc.), and I dabbed a little Cortizone cream in the area. At the time of the sexual encounter, I didn't have any discomfort, so I didn't think about it. So, my question is, would the cortizone cream increase the risk in any way? I can't imagine that it would, but I thought I'd ask. And, more importantly, what if I had a tear, or cut, in the rectal area. How risky is saliva on an open cut?

I don't know if the cortizone cream would increase your risk for HIV infection in this circumstance. I don't see why it would either. In general, saliva is not believed to be a fluid that efficiently transmits the virus. So whether or not saliva got onto an open cut should be irrelevant. The risk for transmission in this circumstance remains very low.

RMK