Cutaneous manifestations of HIV/AIDS: Part I

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection can lead to a variety of clinical cutaneous manifestations. These cutaneous disorders occur universally during the course of HIV infection. Cutaneous manifestations of HIV are very diverse. The course and clinical presentation of HIV in individuals who have access to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is completely different from that in those who do not. Many of the HIV cutaneous presentations seen in South Africa become chronic and progressive. There is a marked reduction in the incidence of opportunistic infections and neoplasms in North America, Western Europe and Australia, where there is access to HAART. Approximately 90% of patients will develop one or more skin diseases during the course of their illness. It is therefore crucial that health professionals become familiar with and are able to recognise the various skin manifestations of HIV Southern African Journal of HIV Medicine Vol. 5 (4) 2004: 12-17