Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the loss of the body’s ability to fight infections due to the infection caused by a virus called human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Patients with HIV frequently develop skin conditions, including fungal, viral, and bacterial infections, as well as cancer. People with AIDS are more prone to infections and developing skin problem that results in lip sores, lesions, and rashes. Skin conditions can be among the earliest signs of the presence of HIV in your body. They’re often viewed as indicators of HIV’s progression. About 90 percent of people with HIV will have rash-like symptoms during the course of their disease.
Dermatitis is the most common symptom of HIV.
Some types of dermatitis include:
Xerosis
xerosis is a condition of rough, dry skin which often appears as itchy with fine scaling of the skin and, occasionally, with small cracks in the skin. The dry skin develops due to a decrease in the natural oils in the outer layer of skin, which makes the skin lose water. This condition is extremely common, even in people without HIV. It can be caused by dry or hot weather, overexposure to the sun, and even hot showers.
You can treat xerosis with moisturizers and lifestyle changes, such as avoiding long, hot showers or baths. More serious cases may require prescription ointments or creams.
Eosinophilic folliculitis
Eosinophilic folliculitis is characterized by itchy, red bumps centered on hair follicles in the scalp and upper body. This form of dermatitis is found most frequently in people in later stages of HIV progression.
Photodermatitis
Photodermatitis occurs when UV rays from sunlight cause rashes, blisters, or dry patches on the skin. In addition to skin outbreaks, you might also experience pain, headaches, nausea, or a fever. This condition is common during antiretroviral drug therapy when your immune system becomes hyperactive.
Prurigo Nodularis
Prurigo nodularis is a condition in which lumps on the skin cause itchiness and a scab-like appearance. It mostly appears on your legs and arms.
This type of dermatitis affects people with extremely compromised immune systems. Itching can become so severe that repeated scratching causes bleeding, open wounds, and further infection.
Warts
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Warts are growths on the top layer of skin. They are caused by the human papillomavirus. They usually resemble bumps with black dots on them (known as seeds). These are commonly found on the back of your hands, your nose, or the bottom of your feet. Warts can be treated with a few procedures, including freezing or removal via minor surgery.
Oral hairy leukoplakia
Oral hairy leukoplakia is a viral infection characterized by thick, white lesions on the tongue. Ongoing antiretroviral treatments will improve your body’s immune system and ability to rid itself of this virus.
Thrush
This recurrent fungal infection causes a thick white layer on the tongue. It can be challenging to treat. Current treatments for thrush include antifungal medications, oral rinses, and oral lozenges.
Article By: Dr. Himani