HIV Skin Rashes Don't Be Underestimated

HIV skin rashes are quite common and are experienced by about 90% of people with HIV. Some types of skin rashes are mild and harmless, but others can be dangerous. One of them is a rash caused by an allergy to anti-HIV drugs. HIV skin rash is a condition that generally occurs in the first two months after a person is infected with the HIV virus. HIV skin rashes can cause itchy skin and form a flat, red area with small bumps that circle around it. But in people with dark skin, the rash tends to be purple. HIV skin rashes can appear throughout the body.

Causes of HIV Skin Rashes

In the early days of HIV infection, the rash can be accompanied by other symptoms, such as a sore throat, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, diarrhea, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. The initial rash and symptoms will generally subside in two weeks. Besides being an initial symptom, skin rashes in people with HIV can be triggered by side effects of treatment. Some HIV drugs that can cause rashes are:
  • Protease inhibitors (PIs), such as amprenavir and tipranavir.
  • Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), such as abacavir.
  • Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), such as nevirapine.
Some types of HIV skin rashes are mild and harmless. But if the rash is caused by an allergic reaction due to the use of anti-HIV drugs, the condition can be dangerous and requires immediate treatment. Allergic reactions when taking anti-HIV drugs can cause Stevens-Johnson syndrome, even toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Handling of HIV Skin Rashes

HIV sufferers are advised to consult a doctor immediately if they experience a skin rash accompanied by swelling of the face and tongue, sore skin, or blisters appear around the eyes, mouth, nose, or other areas of the skin. The doctor will examine the skin rash experienced by people with HIV and provide appropriate treatment. Common treatments given by doctors to deal with the rash include:

Giving medicine

Some types of drugs, such as antihistamines and hydrocortisone creams, can be used to treat mild rashes. However, if the rash is large enough, especially if accompanied by symptoms and other complaints, special treatment and treatment may be needed.

Lifestyle changes

Not only drug administration, lifestyle changes also need to be done to prevent the appearance of rashes. HIV sufferers are advised to avoid exposure to direct sunlight, because it can increase the risk of rashes. In addition to direct sunlight, avoid bathing with warm water.

Be aware of allergies or infections as triggers for the rash

Skin rashes in people with HIV can be caused by allergies, molluscum contagiosum, and Kaposi's sarcoma. Beware of rashes caused by these things because it is dangerous. Always consult a doctor if a rash appears when you are taking HIV treatment, and do not stop taking the drug without consulting first. Also discuss with your doctor if you want to use over-the-counter medications, such as hydrocortisone and antihistamines, to treat HIV skin rashes.

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