Human immunodeficiency virus infection: a survey with special emphasis on mucocutaneous manifestations

Since the first reports of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in 1981, many dermatological conditions have been reported to occur more commonly in people infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Acute HIV infection may first present as a skin eruption; the onset of immunosuppression after years of infection with HIV may be heralded by the development of various viral, fungal, bacterial, papulosquamous, or neoplastic eruptions. HIV disease often presents first to dermatologists who must be aware of subtle presentations and the possibility of underlying HIV infection--as well as alert to danger signals that indicate the need for urgent treatment or referral.