Dermatologic manifestations of human immunodeficiency virus infection

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) have become major health problems in the United States, and patients with manifestations of these diseases are seen by physicians in all areas of medicine. Cutaneous manifestations develop in as many as 92% of HIV-positive persons. Familiarity with these manifestations facilitates early diagnosis and enhances the care of HIV-infected patients. The spectrum of mucocutaneous disorders in these patients includes an acute exanthem, multiple infections, neoplastic processes, and miscellaneous disorders. Herein we review the most common and the most specific dermatologic manifestations associated with HIV infection, which often are atypical, more severe, or less responsive to treatment than the corresponding diseases encountered in non-HIV-infected persons.