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Urticaria and HIV Infection: A Case Report
Anaahat K Brar1, Jackline Grace1
1Family Medicine, San Joaquin General Hospital, French Camp, USA.
Cureus
|November 2, 2022
Summary
Chronic urticaria can rarely indicate underlying human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. This case highlights that treating HIV significantly improved chronic urticaria symptoms in an adult male patient.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Urticaria, a common skin condition, presents acutely or chronically and is often idiopathic.
- While associated with various disorders, its link to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is infrequent.
- Chronic urticaria necessitates a thorough diagnostic workup to identify potential underlying causes.
Observation:
- An adult male presented with new-onset chronic urticaria.
- Diagnostic investigations for the persistent rash revealed a new diagnosis of HIV infection.
- The patient's urticaria symptoms were notably severe and persistent.
Findings:
- The patient's chronic urticaria significantly improved following the initiation of antiretroviral therapy for HIV.
- This case demonstrates a direct correlation between HIV management and the resolution of urticarial symptoms.
- HIV infection, though rare, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic urticaria.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering infectious etiologies, including HIV, in patients with unexplained chronic urticaria.
- Effective management of HIV infection can lead to the amelioration of dermatological manifestations like urticaria.
- Further research may elucidate the immunological mechanisms linking HIV and urticaria, potentially improving diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
