Skin changes are common in people who are HIV-positive, and rashes are one of them. A rash can be an early symptom of HIV. It is also a common reaction to HIV medications. Though it may sometimes go away within some days, it can sometimes recur and even prove fatal. Early testing and timely treatment are effective ways to stop the progress of an HIV rash.
In this article, we discuss the causes of HIV rash and the treatment options available. You will also find out why these rashes can be life-threatening. Keep reading to know more
In This Article
What Is HIV Rash?
HIV infection involves changes in the immune system that trigger various skin reactions, leading to skin rashes. Dr. Kire Stojkovski, a practicing medical doctor, says, “HIV rash is a type of skin infection which appears a few weeks after a person is infected with HIV.” HIV rash is of different types and can develop on any part of the body, including the face, abdomen, arms, or legs.
Often these rashes could be mistaken for a symptom of another infection. So, it is better to know about HIV rash to identify it. Read on to learn more about it.
What Does HIV Rash Look Like?
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HIV rash can be reddish, blemished, itchy, or painful. In the early stages of infection, the rash looks flushed, discolored, and reddish with flat blemishes and does not itch. It usually appears as a flat red area covered with small bumps.
StyleCraze Says HIV rashes are classified as the maculopapular type. This means they are flat or slightly raised, discolored patches of skin (macules) covered with tiny papules.
HIV rash can be an early symptom of the infection and may be accompanied by other symptoms. Keep reading to find out more.
Symptoms Of HIV Rash
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If you have a rash and suspect an HIV infection, look out for the following symptoms (1):
- Night sweats
- Fever
- Chills
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Mouth ulcers
These symptoms may last for a few days or several weeks (1).
However, these symptoms can also be of other infections or side effects of certain medications. So, it is important to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Read on to learn more about the types and causes of HIV rash.
Related: How To Get Rid Of Mouth Ulcers – 15 Natural Remedies To Try
Causes Of HIV Skin Rash
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The main causes for HIV skin rash are:
- Acute HIV Infection: A rash is one of the symptoms during the early stages of infection. It usually goes away as the immune system produces antibodies. However, if the person is not taking proper medications, it may recur due to a weakened immune system (2).
- HIV Medicines: Dr. Stojkovski says, “The HIV rash may be due to side effects of using antiretroviral drugs (ARVs). The drugs that treat HIV infection may cause hypersensitivity. Earlier, around 50% of people taking HIV therapy used to get rashes (3). These rashes go away in several days without treatment. But, you may need to consult your doctor to know if it is necessary to switch to another medicine.”
- Other Infections: HIV weakens your immune system, leading to a higher risk of fungal and viral infections, which cause rashes. These infections may involve chronic skin conditions like psoriasis, dermatitis, tinea, eczema, or herpes (4).
Did You Know? About 80% of patients with advanced HIV are affected by seborrheic dermatitis rashes due to the weakened immune system (7).
There are several treatment options available for HIV rash. Learn more about them in the next section.
Related: 15 Effective Home Remedies For Herpes & How To Use Them
HIV Rash – Treatment Options
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Skin issues that develop due to HIV can be treated. A doctor can prescribe you medicines based on the cause of the rash. Over-the-counter drugs such as hydrocortisone cream or Benadryl may help reduce itching and rash size. If you have more serious symptoms, consult a healthcare professional immediately.
You may also need to make some lifestyle changes to alleviate the symptoms. For example, Dr. Stojkovski says, “Avoiding excess sunlight can help reduce the rash. Heat tends to make the condition worse. Therefore, avoid exposing oneself to heat.” Hot showers and baths can also make the rash worse.
People with HIV may also experience allergic reactions more often. Therefore, always conduct a patch test before you start using any new shampoo, soap, or other skin care or hair care product.
Prompt testing and timely treatment are effective ways to reduce the progress of HIV rash. Continue reading to find out how HIV rash can turn severe.
Severity Of HIV Rash
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In most cases, the HIV rash is harmless and goes away in a few days. However, it may turn severe and be fatal too. A hypersensitivity reaction to HIV medicine is a potentially serious condition. The symptoms include difficulty breathing, dizziness, or lightheadedness. If the case is severe, it may become life-threatening and require immediate medical attention (2), (5).
Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is one such life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction. It is seen in less than 0.5% of patients. Its symptoms include fever, flu-like symptoms, rash, and painful blisters. Within 1 to 3 days, a red or purplish rash forms, and then the skin begins to blister and peel, leading to “raw” areas of the skin that are painful (3). If you notice any of these symptoms after an HIV treatment, you must seek medical help immediately.
In the case of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), the affected person is moved to an intensive care unit. The treatment for this condition is similar to that of major burns, including wound care, pain control, fluids and electrolytes, nutritional supplements, temperature control, and monitoring for secondary infections (6).
Now, let’s answer the most important question.
Related: 13 Effective Home Remedies To Stop Vomiting And Nausea
When Should You See A Doctor?
If you develop a rash or flu-like symptoms after coming in contact with a person who is HIV-positive, you must seek medical advice and undergo an HIV test. In addition, people with HIV must seek immediate medical help if a new rash develops or existing ones get worse.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms like:
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Swollen lymph nodes or fever.
- Painful blisters with a red or purplish rash.
- Quickly spreading rash.
- Dizziness and breathing difficulty.
These could be symptoms of hypersensitivity or Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.
HIV rashes are common reactions to HIV infection. When HIV infects one, the immune system becomes weak and may not be able to fight infections. As a result, it leads to skin rashes that could be harmless or fatal. With early detection, timely testing, and proper treatment, you can manage the HIV rash. Though it may go away within some days, it can also occur again. If you experience symptoms like nausea, vomiting, swollen lymph, painful blisters, or dizziness along with rashes, seek medical help immediately.
