Acute HIV Infection Presenting With Diffuse Plaque Psoriasis Treated With Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy

Abstract

Cutaneous diseases such as psoriasis are often the first disease manifestations in HIV+ patients, with greater severity corresponding to a weaker immune system. Despite its prevalence, literature and placebo-controlled studies on the recognition of HIV as a cause of psoriasis are lacking, causing challenges to arise in its treatment. In this article, we illustrate a case of an HIV+ patient whose psoriasis drastically improved after the initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) consisting of bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide. While it is unclear which combination of antiretrovirals is optimal for controlling psoriasis in HIV+ patients, prompt initiation of HAART can significantly improve immune status and psoriasis in HIV+ patients.

Keywords: acute hiv infection; acute retroviral syndrome; diffuse psoriasis; haart; hiv symptoms; viral exanthem.

Figure 1. New erythematous maculopapular rash on the face, bilateral arms, chest, and abdomen.

Figure 2. Maculopapular rash on the lower extremities with acutely worsening plaque psoriasis.