Dermatologic manifestations of HIV infection

Abstract

Nearly all patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) will develop cutaneous or mucous membrane manifestations. Oral cavity lesions associated with HIV disease include candidiasis, hairy leukoplakia and Kaposi's sarcoma. Skin infections such as herpes simplex, herpes zoster, molluscum contagiosum, Staphylococcus aureus folliculitis and warts are often more severe than usual and may be refractory to therapy. Seborrheic dermatitis is the most common cutaneous eruption. The appearance of Kaposi's sarcoma in a patient younger than 60 years of age or in any individual with laboratory evidence of HIV infection is diagnostic of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Serious drug reactions may occur, despite the depressed cellular immunity associated with HIV infection.