What does a rash look like due to HIV infection? Symptoms, photos
For many people newly infected with HIV, a rash is one of the earliest symptoms. However, a wide range of diseases, infections and allergic reactions can irritate the skin, so a rash alone is never enough to diagnose HIV. People who develop a rash and think they may have been infected with HIV should seek immediate medical attention.
Types of HIV rashes
There is no one type of rash that is unique to people with HIV. However, when a person develops HIV infection, changes in their immune system can cause a number of skin rashes.
Because HIV reduces the immune system's ability to fight infection, people with the disease are at risk of a range of skin infections and rashes. HIV rashes include:
1. Seroconversion rash . Within a few weeks of becoming infected with HIV, many people experience flu-like symptoms and a rash. This process, known as seroconversion , occurs when the body produces antibodies to HIV. The period of seroconversion may also cause fever and swollen lymph nodes. This HIV rash is not itchy and is usually flat and red. It often affects large areas of the body, such as the chest or back.
2. Allergic reaction to HIV medications. An allergic reaction to drugs can also cause skin rashes due to HIV infection. This type of rash usually appears as a large red area covered in tiny red bumps. Many people who have an allergic reaction may also have a fever and muscle pain.
3. Herpes . Herpes is highly contagious and appears as a rash. The body of people with HIV is not able to protect itself from the herpes virus, so they are prone to developing the worst symptoms of the disease. Herpes simplex 1 and herpes simplex 2 can cause painful, crusty blisters on the lips and genitals. Also, people with HIV and other diseases that weaken the immune system may develop shingles on both sides of the body.
4. Molluscum contagiosum . This wart condition causes lesions that can spread to other people. The lesions are skin-colored and do not hurt, but they tend to get worse over time.
5. Folliculitis . The occurrence of folliculitis is usually associated with infection of the hair follicle. It spreads to shaved areas of the body, such as the legs or face, and appears as red, pus-filled inflammation. Folliculitis can resemble pimples and may contain ingrown hairs. This disease can occur in the form of a single bump or a large group of painful itchy bumps.
6. Dermatitis . There are many forms of dermatitis, but the most common in people with HIV is seborrheic dermatitis. This itchy rash causes scaly plaques to appear, usually on the face, scalp, chest or groin. This type of dermatitis tends to get worse over time.
7. Psoriasis . Psoriasis resembles seborrheic dermatitis, but the patches are scaly and usually not itchy.
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8. Scabies. Scabies is caused by a mite that hides in a person's skin. People with scabies experience severe itching and red, widespread inflammation. They are often surrounded by lines that show where the mites originated. Scabies is highly contagious.
9. Fungal infection .
People with HIV can develop various fungal infections. One of the most common is ringworm.
Other HIV symptoms that accompany the rash
Sometimes a rash is the only symptom. However, since an HIV rash usually signals a problem with the immune system, other symptoms are common. Symptoms that may accompany HIV rashes include:
- flu symptoms such as muscle aches, chills, or a general feeling of malaise;
- fever, especially if the rash is caused by a skin infection;
- swollen lymph nodes;
- exhaustion.
Some people may have trouble staying active. For example, severe cellulite can cause swelling that makes movement painful.
Forecast
HIV-related rashes vary greatly. The specific prognosis depends on the type of rash, as well as individual factors such as general health, use of antiretroviral drugs, access to medical care, and exposure to contagious skin diseases.
The rash associated with seroconversion, which occurs soon after infection, usually goes away on its own.
Rashes due to chronic conditions such as herpes and psoriasis tend to come and go. The severity of each outbreak varies but depends in part on the immune system. Some medications, such as herpes antivirals, can reduce the severity of each outbreak.
Rash caused by infections will go away with proper treatment. However, because HIV continually weakens the immune system, the infectious rash may return. Cellulite in particular tends to recur. People with HIV who have had one infectious rash may also develop another infectious rash later.
