HIV and the SKIN

September 18 is National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day, intended to raise awareness of HIV and encourage older adults to get tested. At Mahoney Dermatology, we strive to accurately and promptly diagnose skin manifestations of systemic diseases, including HIV/AIDS.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks cells that help the body fight infections, making a person more prone to various infections and diseases. HIV is spread most commonly during unprotected sex or through contact with infected blood. If left untreated, HIV may progress into AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).

According to the World Health Organizations, in 2023 an estimated 630,000 people died of HIV-related causes and an estimated 1.3 million people acquired HIV.

Since HIV weakens the immune system it can affect the skin in various ways including increased risk of bacterial, fungal, viral and parasitic infections. Additionally, an increase in skin cancers and various inflammatory rashes are also common in HIV patients.

Some of the more common dermatologic conditions seen in individuals with HIV include:

  1. Warts – widespread warts and resistant strains of HPV
  2. Molluscum Contagiosum – highly contagious viral skin rash that can cause small pink or skin-colored bumps on the skin; in HIV infected individuals these lesions can be very large
  3. Seborrheic Dermatitis – scaly pink rash that affects the scalp, eyebrows, nasal creases, ears, beard and mustache areas, and other oily hair-bearing areas of the body
  4. Pruritic papular eruption (PPE) – rash consisting of small red, itchy growths on head, neck and torso.
  5. Herpes viruses – cold sores, genital sores and shingles.
  6. Skin cancers – common skin cancers are seen in higher numbers in people with HIV and AIDS. These include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma.
  7. Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) – is a very rare skin cancer that develops from the cells that line the lymph and blood vessels. KS usually appears as purple papule and tumors on the skin and mucosal surfaces.
  8. HIV – induced facial atrophy is a clinical finding where HIV can cause fat distribution in the body to change. Most commonly patients lose fat from the cheekbone region.

HIV and AIDS are complex conditions that involve life-long therapy. Thankfully, due to easily available diagnostic testing and antiretroviral medications, most patients with HIV can have a good quality of life. Regular yearly skin examinations are a great idea for all patients and particularly HIV infected patients due to the increase of various skin conditions.

If it has been over a year since your skin exam, please contact Mahoney Dermatology Specialists to schedule your comprehensive skin exam!

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