dryness in my hands and mouth

Oct 15, 2003

Dear Dr

I am a 41 yr old male. I was infected by the hiv in april 2003.My vl is 1250..my cd4 were 420. Since then I experience extreme dryness and or stiffness in my hands and numbness in my feet. I feel pasty. I am treatment naive. I put some aveeno cream. I do also use oil lotion..My mouth sometimes gets also dry. Do u think it is hiv related or it is anxiety?...I did notice that after exercising it seems to wane...My libido took a hit.I am confused and worried. thanks

Response from Dr. Henry

Dry skin is common in HIV+ persons. Peripheral neuropathy, low hormone states (testosterone, thyroid), stress/anxiety/depression,decreased libido--all can be seen in the setting of HIV infection. A good work-up by your HIV specialist/primary care doc may point towards some effective intervention. Often good medical/mental health care can be helpful. Sometimes HIV therapy can also help out some of those conditions. KH