Cutaneous reaction to ultraviolet irradiation in human-immunodeficiency-virus-infected patients. A case-control study

HIV-infected patients, like renal transplant recipients, are at increased risk of developing skin cancer in photoexposed areas. Previous studies demonstrated that prolonged ultraviolet (UV)-induced erythema and a decreased and delayed tanning could be correlated with an increased risk of skin cancers.

As HIV-infected patients are at an increased risk of developing skin cancers, we aimed to assess the cutaneous response to UV irradiation in these patients.

Twelve HIV-infected patients and 12 healthy volunteers were included in a prospective case-control study. No patient or volunteer had a history of skin cancer or photodermatosis. The minimal erythemal dose (MED) was determined using a solar simulator UV source, and, then, each subject underwent an exposure of 6 MED. The erythemal and pigmentation responses were studied using a visual scale and a tristimulus colorimeter over a 4-week period.

We failed to demonstrate any significant differences between HIV-infected patients and controls for erythema and delayed pigmentation. No difference was found for MED between the two groups although most HIV-infected patients received potentially photosensitive drugs.

Our results suggest that, as a group, the HIV-infected patients without a history of photosensitivity or skin cancer did not demonstrate a greater susceptibility to intense UV irradiation in terms of erythema and pigmentation induced by intense UV exposition.