HIV Rash Information

Many signs and symptoms of HIV can be mistaken for something else entirely, which is often why HIV goes untested and unchecked for so long in some patients. Some other individuals may have few to no symptoms of infection at all. One common symptom that is overlooked as a possible sign of HIV infection is the rash.

Occurrence

• Some individuals who are infected with HIV may develop a rash two or three weeks after infection. This is not always definite, however, as the rash may develop later in some people, or may disappear shortly after development and then return at a later time.

Rash Location

• A rash due to an HIV infection will likely be found towards the middle of the body. It might develop on the either front or back of the trunk, and may also be present around the face and on the neck.

Rashes and Antiretroviral Treatment

• Many anti-HIV medications (commonly known as ARVs) can cause a rashe as an unpleasant side effect. A rash may also develop as a part of an adverse reaction to HIV treatment, and may be accompanied by other signs of a bad reaction.

Treatment of HIV-Related Rashes

• Any over-the-counter medications, such as hydrocortisone cream, will be useful in treating an HIV-related rash, whether the rash is caused by the infection itself or by HIV medications. Avoid sunlight and heat, as both will irritate the rash.

Precautions to Prevent Future Rash Outbreaks

• If the rash is caused by an ARV medication, a patient's doctor may switch medications in order to prevent future rash outbreaks. This may require the doctor to avoid other medications in the same class as well. If the rash is not caused by medications, the likelihood of the rash returning is lower but it is also much harder to prevent.