2024-09-05 18:00:59
In addition to being a mild symptom, rashes on the body parts can be associated with the human immunodeficiency virus. Finding it on time is important to avoid complications.
Last update: September 5, 2024
Seeing red spots, small bumps or scales on the skin, accompanied by itching, burning or pain, can cause concern and uncertainty. It is possible that, while searching the Internet on the subject, you have found out that it is possible that the sore is a rash caused by the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV.
Although skin rashes are one of the first symptoms that may appear after infection with the virus, this is not always the cause. On the other hand, if there are skin lesions while taking the antiretroviral drug, because we have already been diagnosed and they have been prescribed, then it will be a side effect of the drug.
A medical consultation is essential to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. Here you will find the first guide, but the information provided to you does not replace the evaluation of a professional.
What is HIV rash?
HIV infection is a skin infection when the immune system responds to the presence of a human immunodeficiency virus. In some patients, this symptom is the first that indicates the disease.
It usually appears within two to six weeks after exposure to the virus.
It is quite common. It is estimated that it occurs approx half of the cases of recent infection.
How is it?
The rash is maculopapular. This means that it consists of flat, red spots, as well as small raised bumps.
It is usually accompanied by itching or pain. It tends to look red in light-skinned people. On the other hand, in black color, the color becomes purple.
Although it can occur anywhere on the body, The rash is usually found on the face, neck, and upper torso. It also takes the form of sores in the mouth or body parts.
It takes about 14 days. In some cases, it takes up to 10 weeks.
In addition, there may be early symptoms of HIV, which are similar to illness and include:
The face is one of the most common areas where symptoms appear.
Other types of HIV-related rashes
The human immunodeficiency virus can cause many types of rashes, which vary in severity. The following are the most common.
Seborrheic dermatitis
It is an inflammatory condition in people with advanced HIV, especially those with compromised immune systems and high viral load. In any case, seborrheic dermatitis can also appear in the early stages of the disease.
The rash is characterized by a red color with a yellow, greasy scale. It develops in areas that have oil glands, such as the scalp, face, arms, upper torso, and back.
The most common location of seborrheic dermatitis is the scalp area.
Eosinophilic folliculitis
This inflammatory body condition It is common in people with HIV. It usually occurs when the CD4 lymphocyte count is less than 250 cells/mm3. Its characteristic is the inflammation of the hair follicles.
The skin becomes red and gives rise to pustules, which are pus-filled bumps. It causes severe fatigue that affects the face, scalp, neck and trunk.
Each hair follicle that becomes infected produces a sore with pus.
Pruritic papular eruption
Common in advanced stages of HIV, especially when the CD4 count is less than 200 cells/mm3. It is characterized by itchy papules, located on the arms, legs, face and trunk.
It can be a hypersensitivity response to insect bites, due to the damage of the body’s immune system. For this reason, it is more visible in people who live in tropical areas, where they live with many mosquitoes.
For this healing image to appear, you must first be bitten by an insect in the same area.
Xerotic eczema
Also called asteatotic eczema, it is a common type of skin rash associated with HIV. It usually occurs when the CD4 count falls below 200 cells/mm3.
It is characterized by dryness and intense itching. It causes deep cracks and fissures in the skin, with the appearance of a dry riverbed. It is more common and important during the winter.
This type of eczema can be subtle and focus on joint areas, such as the knuckles.
Drug-related rashes
Antiretroviral therapy can cause skin rashes and hives as an adverse effect. In general, symptoms They appear 1 or 2 weeks after starting the drug.
Abacavir and nevirapine are two antiretroviral drugs that are often associated with allergic reactions.
The rash is morbilliform, similar to measleswith a flat or slightly firm red rose that oozes when squeezed. It may be the only symptom or be accompanied by fever, fatigue, and swollen nipples.
You should seek medical attention immediately if you develop a rash with signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, irregular or rapid heart rate, swelling of the eyes, throat or tongue, dizziness and fainting.
Skin irritation caused by nevirapine should lead to discontinuation of the drug, usually under medical order.
Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)
SJS is a serious and dangerous allergic disorder. It is caused by certain drugs, including some antiretrovirals.
In this clinical picture, the skin of the body and the mucous membranes they came out. It begins with fever and sore throat, then continues with erythematous spots, bloody erosions and painful sores on the face, chest, genitals and inside the mouth.
Skin lesions enlarge, blister, and rupture. A large loss of skin and urine can lead to sepsis, the lightning and death.
The manifestation of Stevens Johnson syndrome is a serious condition in which the extent of the lesions is life-threatening.
Chronic infections
HIV weakens the sometimes system and increase the risk of infectionas follows:
- Oral and genital herpes: There are small water-filled vesicles that swell and burn.
- Molluscum contagiosum: It causes small, round, hard, painless bumps. They can affect the skin of the skin and the woman.
- viral warts: caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They can appear anywhere on the body and look like raised skin.
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV): It presents with small, raised, reddish papules and macules. It may present itself with other lesions, such as perianal or vulvar lesions that do not heal.
- Shingles: renewal of chickenpox, which presents itself with many vesicles with fluid, arranged in a group or patch on one side of the trunk or face. After a few days, they break and the scabs cover them.
The HIV virus is capable of suppressing the defenses and making room for the reproduction of the chicken pox virus, with the result of the typical symptoms of zoster.
Can HIV cause genital warts?
HIV-Associated Penile Rash It is an uncommon symptom, but it can be part of the early stages of infection. If you experience it, including itching, you should seek medical attention for regular diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
In this case, the rash is small red spots that cover the glans, the penis and the wound. In addition, there are painful sores or sores on the vagina, anus, esophagus, and mouth.
However, A rash on the penis is not always a sign of HIV. It can also be caused by other conditions, such as:
In addition to being unpleasant itself, HIV rash can cover the entire genital area and pubis.
Possible treatments
The approach to HIV-related skin rash varies depending on its nature. If infection with the virus is confirmed, It will be necessary to start antiretroviral treatment.
Locally, minor rashes can be treated with hydrocortisone creams or antihistamines to reduce itching and the size of the rash. If it is a bad reaction to drugs, Would suggest to stop them and consider a change.
Antibiotics are not effective. They will only give permission if it is a bacterial superinfection.
In addition to medication, adopting lifestyle changes can help relieve symptoms. The most important thing is to avoid direct heat, sunlight on the affected skin and bathing with hot water, because they can aggravate the rash.
What to do if I suspect HIV infection?
To determine if a rash is related to human immunodeficiency virus, The only safe way is to consult a health professional. A doctor will be able to evaluate the rash, perform necessary tests, and provide a diagnosis.
If you have been exposed to HIV or think you have been exposed, you should get tested as soon as possible. Starting antiretroviral treatment as soon as possible reduces the risk of progression and complications.
On the other hand, if you have been diagnosed with HIV, Ask your doctor what to do about the rash. A professional will confirm whether or not it is related to disease or medicine.
Don’t be ashamed of having injuries. On the contrary, take immediate action to improve the quality of your life.
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