Noninfectious cutaneous manifestations of HIV/AIDS

Abstract

Cutaneous manifestations of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or acquired Immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) can occur throughout all stages of infection. The dermatological complications of HIV and AIDS may be distressing to the patient and difficult for the dermatologist to diagnose and manage.<br>The aim of this study was to examine the pattern of noninfectious cutaneous manifestations and their relationship with stage of HIV infection. Two hundred HIV-positive/AIDS cases attending Skin-STD clinic, Govt. Medical College, Vadodara, were thoroughly examined to find cutaneous manifestations. Skin, scalp and nails were thoroughly examined. One hundred twenty out of 200 cases had noninfectious cutaneous manifestations like pruritic papular eruption in 43 cases (35.8%), pigmentary changes in 10 cases (8.3%), seborrheic dermatitis in 5 cases (4.2%) and psoriasis in 4 cases (3.3%). Such presentations were more frequently observed in symptomatic/AIDS cases. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were observed in 15 cases. These include 6 out of 30 cases on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and 9 cases on other medications. Pemphigus vulgaris and acanthosis nigricans (AN) were seen as co-presentation, each in 1 case of AIDS.<br>HIV-related cutaneous manifestations are very common and, if studied properly, can serve as diagnostic and prognostic markers. They may reflect involvement of internal organs. Many of the infectious and noninfectious manifestations respond well to antiretroviral therapy, which may not be feasible in resource-restricted setup.