HIV Related Rash

HIV related rash can be found on various locations on the body. HIV rash is one of the symptoms of the primary stage of HIV infection. It usually occurs after two or three weeks of HIV infection. However, it can be noticeable much later. In medical terms, it is defined as maculopapular rash. HIV rash is visible on face, neck, trunk of the body, chest as well as on hands, armpits, feet etc. Kaposi's sarcoma that is a skin infection occurs due to HIV infection. In many cases, HIV rash appears in two to three weeks after the infection. The rash is created with small, dark bumps, slightly raised. People who have pale skin, the color of the rash appear to be deep red to reddish brown. Those who have darker skin, color of the HIV rash appear to be purple to black color. The rash can occupy a wide part of the body. As a result of this, many people rush to the doctor for further treatment.

HIV related rash and its various locations on the body

The chief part of HIV rash is the trunk of the body. It does not mean that it does not appear on the other parts. More often, the rash appears on the chest that is supposed to be the most affected part of the body. It can be seen on the face as well as the neck. However, these parts do not affected by the rash as much as the trunk of the body does. Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that they can appear on the face and the neck. In rare cases, the rash emerges on the hands and feet. The last stage of HIV that is known as AIDS allows the rash to spread out to a wide area of the body. It causes sores in the region of the mouth and genitals. In the exceptional cases, an individual may experience a large lump on the hand and feet. It could happen because of the reaction to the medication. However, it should be kept in mind that this rash can lead to a serious skin problem. So, it is advisable to visit the doctor for the treatment of the rash.

Rash that appears in the various stage of HIV infection

Acute Infection Rash

Acute infection rash appears at the first stage of HIV infection. The rash becomes visible after two or three weeks of HIV infection. The rash starts to appear on the upper side of the body. It may not involve itching. Further testing program determines if a person is infected or not.

Symptomatic HIV Rash

Symptomatic stage is the third stage of HIV infection. Whatever rash comes in this stage is known as Symptomatic HIV Rash that is one of the symptoms of HIV rash. The opportunistic infections assault the immune system in this period. The stage lasts long for one to three years. Chronic conditions develop in this period. This symptom appears because of seborrhea dermatitis.

Drugs Rashes

Drugs rashes as its name shows appear because of the medications that are given during the treatment of HIV. Some of the antiretroviral drugs can be responsible for creating such rashes on the body. As per the opinion of Department of Health and Human Services, there are some antiretroviral drugs, such as amprenavir, tipranavir, nevirapine and abacavir. It is essential to inform the physician about the side effects of the antiretroval drugs. So, they can take the further steps for that reason.

HIV related rash appears in the first, third and fourth stage of HIV infection. However, it is necessary to have a word with the physician, as the rashes might occur due to a different reason.