CONDITIONS
HIV RELATED SKIN CONDITIONS
What is HIV?
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that leads to a very weak immune system: AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). This virus weakens the immune system, affecting the body's ability to fight infections and cancer. People with HIV are more likely to suffer health-related problems, which include skin problems. In some cases, certain skin diseases may be the first sign or an indication that you might be infected with HIV. HIV can manifest differently through inflammatory skin conditions, skin rashes and skin cancer.
There are different types of HIV related skin conditions or diseases, including but not limited to:
Infectious HIV-related cutaneous disorders
Cutaneous manifestations of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease can occur due to HIV infection or as a result of opportunistic disorders caused by the disease's decline in immunocompetence. The first indicators of HIV-related immunosuppression may be cutaneous diseases. Recognising HIV-related skin changes could lead to early identification of HIV infection, allowing for the start of effective antiretroviral medication. Infectious HIV-related cutaneous disorders include:
- Viral infections: Herpes simplex virus, Varicella zoster virus (shingles), Human papillomavirus
- Bacterial infections: Syphilis, mycobacteria
- Fungal infections: candidiasis, dermatophytes
Non-infectious HIV-related cutaneous disorders
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection can exhibit itself on the skin at any stage of infection. Non-infectious inflammatory skin diseases are a common concern for HIV patients, and they confront dermatologists with diagnostic and treatment hurdles. Non-infectious HIV- related cutaneous disorders include seborrheic dermatitis, HIV-related psoriasis, Papular pruritic eruption of HIV, HIV-related hair and nail disorders.
HIV-related cancers
HIV-positive people have an increased risk of some cancers than HIV-negative people of the same age. HIV infection weakens the immune system and makes it more difficult for the body to fight viral infections that lead to cancer. Types of HIV-related cancers include lymphomas, Kaposi Sarcoma, squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas.
What are the possible treatment options?
If you are living with HIV and have developed any skin symptoms and signs, it is important to see your dermatologist for assessment in order to determine if your skin condition is related to the underlying HIV. Depending on what skin disorder you are diagnosed with, Dr Ndongeni will treat the skin disorder accordingly.
Some HIV related skin conditions can be painful.
Antiretrovirals and other treatments can be used to both prevent and aid these related conditions.
Treatments can initially cause discomfort but should ultimately relieve pain.
