An HIV rash is a common symptom among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
HIV Rash
A painful or itchy rash may be one of thefirst symptoms of HIV.
This rash typically appears as a flat, red rash.
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On dark skin, it may be deep purple.
Skin and rash appearance in individuals with HIV can vary widely.
One blood count providers watch is theCD4 cell count.
CD4 cells are white blood cells essential in fighting infection.
As HIV progresses, the CD4 count may drop.
Individuals withlower CD4 countsare more prone to opportunistic infections, including various skin conditions.
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They may also present atypically or differently than in individuals who are otherwise healthy.
As immune function decreases, the likelihood of experiencing a skin-related side effect from medication increases.
In people with HIV, seborrheic dermatitis often presents much more severely.
© 2018 Indian Journal of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and AIDS
It is also likely to be diffuse (spread over a large area).
Treatment will vary depending on severity.
Yet research findings for these causes have been inconsistent.
American Academy of Family Physicians
Papular Pruritic Rash
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American Academy of Family Physicians
A papular pruritic rash is quite common in people with HIV.
A papular pruritic rash is marked by itching papules on the arms, legs, face, and trunk.
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The cause of a papular pruritic rash is not fully understood.
However, hypersensitivity to insect bites due to HIV-associated immune dysregulation may be to blame.
Xerosis
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© 2017 Indian Journal of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and AIDS
Prurigo nodularis can also occur with other skin conditions, most oftenatopic dermatitis(eczema).
CMVappears as small, elevated, purpuric, reddish papules and macules.
CMV may appear to manifest as other lesions, such as nonhealing perianal or vulvar ulcers.
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Chronic CMV infection is treated with Zigran (ganciclovir), an antiviral drug.
It typically appears as skin tumors or tumors on mucosal surfaces (e.g., inside the mouth).
However, it can also appear in other places, such as lymph nodes or the digestive tract.
While there are a few different types of KS, one variant is primarily seen in individuals with HIV.
There are several different treatments for KS, including chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy.
Additionally, adherence to medications for HIV can also help to control the spread.
HIV Rashes sparked by Medication
Drug hypersensitivityis an adverse immune system reaction to medication.
Several of the medications used to treat HIV may cause a mild or moderate rash.
In most cases, mild rashes will resolve without needing to switch medications.
Drug hypersensitivity is 100 times more common in people with HIV.
HIV Rash Treatment
Treatment for an HIV rash depends on the jot down of rash.
You may also need to consider other underlying health issues.
Discuss proper treatments with your healthcare provider.
For early-stage HIV rashes, they may recommendhydrocortisone creamto help relieve the itching and swelling.
Avoiding hot showers and direct sunlight can also help prevent further irritation to skin rashes.
When you see your healthcare provider, they will run anHIV test.
This usually consists of taking a blood or saliva sample.
This will be done whether you show symptoms or are concerned that you may have been infected.
Summary
A rash can be a cause and an effect of an HIV infection.
HIV is a treatable condition.
Talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns you may have.
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