Based on the photo and history, this does NOT look like oral thrush. Oral thrush usually appears as thick, creamy white patches that can be scraped off and leave a red/raw surface underneath. Your tongue shows a diffuse coating and surface dryness, which is more consistent with benign tongue coating, dehydration, anxiety, or medication-related changes. At 10 days post-exposure,
HIV-related oral thrush is extremely unlikely, especially since you started PEP within 12 hours, which is highly protective.
Next Steps
• Continue PEP exactly as prescribed and do not miss doses
• Maintain good oral hydration; drink plenty of water
• Gently clean the tongue once daily (no aggressive scraping)
• Use plain mouth rinses (salt water); avoid antiseptic overuse
• Lip dryness can be managed with a simple moisturizer or petroleum jelly
• Proceed with routine
HIV testing as per PEP protocol for reassurance
Health Tips
• Do not self-start antifungal medicines unless advised
• Anxiety and PEP side effects commonly cause dry mouth and tongue coating
• Seek review only if there are painful ulcers, thick removable white patches, bleeding, fever, or difficulty swallowing