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HIV Skin Disorders

HIV disease can lead to problems in its three symptomatic stages; the second and longest stage of HIV disease has no symptoms at all. HIV-related skin disorders range from viral rash to skin cancer.

  1. Acute HIV

    • Skin rash is one of the possible symptoms of acute HIV infection, arising two to four weeks after infection. According to the Australasian College of Dermatologists, the rash may cause itching, starts on the upper body and can lead to skin peeling as well as ulceration.

    Symptomatic HIV

    • People living with third-stage HIV disease (symptomatic HIV) may experience dermatitis and fungal infections, according to HIV-Symptoms.info.

    AIDS

    • People with advanced HIV disease may experience bacterial skin infections like Staphylococcus aureus, bacillary angiomatosis and herpes viral infections (cold sores, genital herpes and shingles), along with other viruses such as Molluscum contagiosum and human papillomavirus. Other skin conditions include dry or thickened skin and several forms of dermatitis.

    Kaposi's Sarcoma

    • Kaposi's sarcoma is a skin cancer that causes purple lesions. It is caused by opportunistic infection with human herpesvirus-8.

    Drug Rashes

    • According to the Australasian College of Dermatologists, people beginning treatment with a new antiretroviral drug may develop a rash as a result soon after. A rash may be mild or may indicate a more serious allergic reaction, and doctors should be made aware of all side effects experienced.

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