HIV comes with numerous other problems like skin rashes. More than 85% of HIV patients experience a rash at one or the other stage due to the HIV infection which at times also becomes acute. As the immune system weakens, the vulnerability of getting infected also increases. The rash can also be a result of the medicines that one could be taking. As the number of White blood cells in an HIV patient falls the risk of infection increases. The skin rashes are generally noticed after 2-3 weeks of coming in contact with the virus. The ones who miss the rash could develop HIV rash later along with other infections.

Symptoms

The rash is a skin problem but it does come with other symptoms like flu. The rash usually impacts the body’s upper parts such as the shoulders, chest, and neck, behind the ears, face, hands and the torso. Sometimes even the palm of the hands gets a rash which is mostly flat. It can also be a little raised in some cases with tiny spots or dots that look like eczema and is often found in people with lighter skin, color. Unlike other rashes the HIV rash isn’t usually itchy and disappears in less than a month. In severe cases a person can also experience blisters in and around the most sensitive parts like mouth and genitals. The skin can also start peeling, causing painful sores.

Types of HIV Rashes

1. Medicinal rash

Rashes might also occur due to the antiretroviral medicines used to treat HIV. Medicines like Amprenavir, abacavir and nevirapine are few examples.

      2. Acute HIV rash

These usually occur in the beginning of the infection and are quite noticeable. Parts where they can be commonly found are thorax, back and palms. These types of rashes are also hard to diagnose and requires different body tests for a complete evaluation.

3. Symptomatic HIV Rash

These can be experienced in the third phase when a patient is more vulnerable of developing skin rashes because of dermatitis. The Rashes are itchy and can be pink or red in color lasting from one to three years. The parts where they occur are the groin, face, scalp, and back.

4. Herpes rash

If an HIV infected person is also suffering from herpes then the chances of having rashes are more. Such a case could be extremely serious and the rashes can get ugly and out of control.

5. Molluscum contagiosum rash

This kind of rash occurs usually in the upper body and the limbs. Transmitted sexually, it will be found in the inner areas of the thigh, genitals and the abdomen.

Does HIV rash itch?

Usually the rashes don’t itch and look more like one has eczema. However the ones caused due to drugs and its side effects usually in the later stage of infection causes itching. At times, a rash which is generally not that itchy in the beginning may later cause itching in case one consumed any faulty medication. Therefore to visit a doctor right after the rash appears is important in order to find the cause and treat it accordingly.

Some other types of HIV rashes are

1. Psoriasis
2. Seborrhoeic dermatitis
3. Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis

Treatment of HIV Rashes

The most common way by which these rashes are managed is with certain steroid creams and antihistamines, but it’s not a permanent solution as the conditions will be too complicated to be eradicated completely. In the initial stages, the conditions improve significantly with the help of anti-retroviral treatment. Another option is the Phototherapy that helps with managing folliculitis in some patients.

Using some simple steps can help a patient ease the discomfort and the symptoms:

• Avoiding too hot showers and baths. In fact, one must try and keep the affected areas as clean as possible
• The toiletries and detergents should be mild or chemical free. Trying new products should also be avoided.
• Silk, linen or woolen clothing must be avoided. Cotton is the best option. The clothes should also be light.
• An air-humidifier could also be of a great use.
• Moisturizers such as emollients or lacto calamine lotion can also be used depending upon the skin sensitivity.
• In case the patient is on anti-retroviral medication, antihistamine tablets should be avoided as they can alter the medication effects.
• OTC medications such as Hydrocortisone Cream and steroids amongst others can also be used.
• Direct sunlight should also be avoided.
• For the rashes associated with Molluscum contagiosum , the patient can be given Liquid nitrogen or Laser treatment.
• For the rash associated with Herpes, Antiviral medication is the best.

HIV is the most lethal disease and the infections that come with it are even worse. However with certain preventive measures the rashes can be dealt with easily. In worse case scenarios such as Kaposis Sarcoma; Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy and Surgery is the only choice. When the rashes are due to medication, it is best to discontinue and substitute it with some other drug.

HIV Rash – Pictures