I volunteer with a guy who's in his late 30's and has HIV. He constantly scratches himself in front of me. He does it for five minutes five or six times in a 90 minute period. He's physically scratching himself,not adjusting himself. Why does he do it? Is it some tic or something? Is he aware of it? Can I ask him to stop? Am I wrong to be annoyed and feel disrespected by it? It makes my boyfriend uncomfortable when the guy does it.
2007-05-15 17:11:57 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Men's Health
Well, he certainly hasn't developed a sense of his affect on others, has he?
I would ask him to do that in the men's restroom where he can wash his hands afterward. Help him to understand that behavior offends many others, and he would have more respect from them by doing that. I hope you don't work with food!
For your understanding: he may have a fungal infection often called, "jock itch." It causes severe itching in the area. It is easily treated. The man needs to be diagnosed by a physician. The doctor will tell him what to use to solve the problem. If you suggest this to him, please be respectful of his privacy. Another possibility is that the itching may be caused by one of his medicines. Either way, a visit to the doctor for this should put him on the road to more comfort.
2007-05-15 17:33:39 · answer #1 · answered by Jeanne B 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi there. Depending upon what stage of the HIV status he is in, it is possible that this young man has acquired a secondary infection such as tinea cruris which is a fungal infection commonly known as jock itch. This article may give some insight.http://www.mamashealth.com/skin/jock.asp The gentleman probably has a lot of weight on his shoulders and could benefit from a person to educate him on this possibility. Treatments are over the counter. Most men are uncomfortable approaching other men about health and or behavioral issues. I think as a woman, he will respect your concern and recommendations. Privately take him aside. It will be embarrassing for him, but I believe he will appreciate your concern and help. Compassion is the key. Even though many with HIV live longer than ever before, it is frightening and may cause a lot of anxiety for this man. Some don't do as well as others. I think you have the insight, thoughtfulness, and calm demeanor to approach him. Your kindness will be far reaching. More than you can even imagine. Kindness has a domino effect. Write down what you plan to say and your verbal words will flow. Good luck to you.
2007-05-23 02:19:25 · answer #2 · answered by firestarter 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is it in the area of his genitals? Is it a result of his HIV? Ask him if he has irritation in his skin there? He may have a fungal rash (Jock itch). Or maybe he has a foreskin which needs washing along with the glans under it (a good reason for being circumcised). Maybe he has a tight foreskin and he cannot wash under it very easily. Ask him before you embarrass him. He is carrying in his body a terrible and often fatal illness.
Psychologically it may be a left over from the guilt he has for getting HIV from a sexual act which he may have initiated. So he punishes his penis and/or testicles.
But if he needs to scratch, he needs to do something about it. But you just can't ask him to stop. What if you had a yeast infection in your vagina and it bothered you, what would you do?
2007-05-16 00:32:48 · answer #3 · answered by teiddarhpsyth 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He may not be aware, but that is slim. Politely ask him to stop. Send him to the bathroom and maybe suggest that he see a dermatologist. Could be a simple case of Jock itch which is a form of yeast infection and minor cases can be treated with the same spray as athelete's foot treatment. (my diabetes makes me prone to get this if I'm not careful) Also I use an antipersperant deoderant spray for heat rash.
2007-05-16 01:03:35 · answer #4 · answered by rwckofc1067 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He has HIV not brain damage. Ask him if he has discussed the itching with his doctor. It could be a fungus, reaction to a medication or just plain old jock itch. Tell him to do that asap and if he doesn't spill the h2o on his itch.
2007-05-16 00:18:02 · answer #5 · answered by smarter than a 8th grader 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hmm buy him a fork and tell him to go to the bathroom and have fun? i personally would just like turn around and start doing something different
2007-05-22 20:09:40 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
He may be on meds that make him itch. I would show concern and ask him if he is ok. He will appreciate your sincere worry and will be more conscience of his actions around others.
2007-05-16 00:17:14 · answer #7 · answered by Dara D 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ignore him, he might have a medical condition. Learn to live with it ... Sympahize with your colleague if it bothers your boyfriend perhaps he can have a guy to guy talk.. Don't get involved play it safe.
2007-05-16 00:18:48 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Ask him to see a dermatoligst and a Urologist he has a problem.
2007-05-22 12:31:31 · answer #9 · answered by jittender k 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Who knows why he does it, but if it bothers you then bring it up to him, find out why. But if your bf is bothered by it maybe he should be the one to say something.
2007-05-16 00:15:34 · answer #10 · answered by April H 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋