HIV Rashes

HIV has its effect all over the body including the human skin. There, it takes the form of red pigmentation or constant growth of pimples. Patches similar to tropical fungal skin infections or eczema can also grow because of HIV infection. It has been studied that 90% of the people who have contracted HIV, have encountered some type of skin infections.

However, doctors say, that HIV rashes are not a subject of concern because they are not contagious. These rashes do not rupture like chicken pox. These rashes cannot be apparently seen, as they usually grow in the shoulder and chest area. More over, proper medication can easily treat HIV rashes. Most of the time, other types of pre existing rashes, accompany HIV rashes.

HIV rashes occur due to two reasons

• When one have contracted HIV virus
• When one consumes medications that are used to treat HIV virus.

However, not every unusual rash means the presence of HIV. Rashes can also occur in HIV positive people due to drug eruption, Kaposi Sarcoma lesion and Herpes infection. Nevertheless, it is always wise to consult the dermatologist. Though people belonging to the high-risk groups like, homosexuals, IDUs, people with multiple sex partners should always visit a doctor whenever they encounter any symptoms of unusual rash on any part of their skin.

The salient features of HIV rash are:

1. They are slightly protruded, dark brown, small, and quite similar to maculopapular rashes.
2. They mostly grow in the human trunk, shoulder and occasionally on our limbs.
3. Fever, diarrhea, headaches, muscle pain, enlarged limb nodes and white patches in the mouth may accompany HIV rashes.
4. It lasts for hardly 2 weeks and never appears during the dormant phase of the disease.
5. It may or may not have itching sensations.
6. Acute HIV rashes can lead to peeling of the upper layer of the skin, coupled with sores and blisters.

When does HIV rash grow?

Rashes are the symptoms of the primary stages of the infection. They grow during the period of sero-conversion, when the antibodies may develop which is about two or three weeks after the contraction of HIV. If HIV test is done during the existence of HIV rashes, then there is more possibility for the diagnostic test to be more accurate. The tinges of the virus and presence of HIV antibodies can be easily located in this stage. Therefore, this is the best time for the highly risked groups to go for the test, in order to get a more accurate result.

Relief from HIV rashes

• Stay away from direct sunlight or extreme heat
• Similarly, even extreme cold should be avoided.
• One should not stop, start or pause the intake of rash treatment medication, without the consent of the doctor
• Over the counter medications like Benadryl, Hydrocortisone cream may be used to curb the itching tendencies.
• Unprotected sex can lead to contagious rashes. Therefore people belonging to the high risk groups, should indulge in safe sex.