Human immunodeficiency virus infection

Knowledge of the ever increasing spectrum in cutaneous pathology caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is essential for the clinician examining high-risk individuals as well as patients presenting with recent suspicious cutaneous/mucocutaneous lesions. Timely diagnosis of the unique lesions associated with developing immunodeficiency (such as Kaposi's sarcoma and oral hairy leukoplakia)--as well as the often atypical and overlapping infections and neoplastic and allergic manifestations--is critical in order to initiate the appropriate treatment that may prove life saving and help extend the lives of individuals struck by infection with HIV.