Dermatologic Manifestations in HIV-Infected Patients: A Primary Care Perspective

Abstract

To document the prevalence of dermatologic manifestations in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) on presentation to primary medical care. Prospective consecutive case series evaluated between June and November 1995. The HIV intake clinic at an urban hospital. Ninety-five individuals initiating HIV-related primary care. Dermatologic manifestations were found in 82 patients (86%). The most common conditions were dermatophytosis in 32 patients (34%), oral hairy leukoplakia in 22 (23%), and folliculitis in 18 (19%). Well-described HIV-associated dermatologic manifestations such as Kaposi sarcoma, herpes zoster, and psoriasis were uncommon. The high prevalence of treatable skin disorders found in HIV-infected patients underscores the importance of careful and complete skin examination as a fundamental aspect of the initial clinical evaluation in this population.