When Does the Acute HIV Rash Appear?

When Does the Acute HIV Rash Appear?
As has been mentioned already, HIV rash develops in the acute or primary infection stage, where the human immunodeficiency virus replicates rapidly after entering the body. This stage is also known as 'seroconversion syndrome', where the immune system starts developing antibodies against the microorganisms or infectious agents present in the blood serum, in response to an infection or immunization.

In this stage, the number of HIV cells in blood start increasing, while the number of CD4 cells decline considerably. CD4 cells are the white blood cells, which fight infectious agents. The human immunodeficiency viruses attach themselves to the CD4 cells, inject their RNA into these cells, and then replicate using the division mechanism of the host CD4 cells. But soon the immune system responds by producing more CD4 cells and antibodies against the virus.

What Does Acute HIV Rash Look Like?
The HIV rash is a maculopapular rash and it can affect any part of the body. But more commonly, the skin rash develops on the face, hands, feet and trunk. Occasionally, it can appear in the genital area and the anus as well. The rash caused by acute HIV infection is generally reddish or brown in color. HIV skin rash is normally a small and slightly raised rash, that can be sore or itchy. In individuals with light skin, the acute HIV rash may appear red or brown, while in those with dark skin, it can be dark brown or black in color. The rash typically lasts for about 2 weeks. Other than acute HIV infection, conditions like, herpes simplex, herpes zoster infections and molluscum contagiosum can also cause skin rash in HIV positive people. Use of certain medications such as, cotrimoxazole can too cause skin lesions in HIV infected individuals that can look very similar to the HIV rash.