Mucocutaneous abnormalities predicted by lymphocyte counts in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus

Abnormalities of the skin are frequent and troubling problems for patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). A number of studies have assessed the frequency and severity of diseases of the skin and mucous membranes reported from other centers, but relationships between dermatologic signs and symptoms and either the lymphocyte count or the helper T-lymphocyte count have been infrequently noted. In a prospective study of 6 months' duration, one of us (A.F.) examined and questioned 61 HIV-seropositive patients at our infectious disease clinic. We found a significant association between the number and severity of cutaneous abnormalities and the helper T-cell (CD4) count. A trend toward significance was also shown between advanced HIV-disease status or decreased CD4 counts and pruritus. Our findings suggest that both the peripheral blood lymphocyte count and the helper T-cell count are predictive of the frequency, severity, and symptoms of skin diseases.