[RECURRENT CUTANEOUS INFECTIONS LEADING TO THE DIAGNOSIS OF HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS INFECTION: A CASE REPORT]

A man in his 30s with severe atopic dermatitis presented with recurrent bacterial skin infections over a one-month period, including lower leg cellulitis, persistent impetigo of the buttocks and extremities, and a carbuncle on the back. Despite incision and drainage, the carbuncle failed to improve, and he was referred to our department, requiring hospitalization. During hospitalization, he developed Kaposi varicelliform eruption. He had no known history of immunodeficiency; however, serologic evidence of prior syphilis infection was identified. Further evaluation revealed HIV antigen/antibody testing and an HIV RNA level of 74000copies/mL, leading to a diagnosis of HIV infection.After discharge, his continuing episodes of recurrent carbuncles and furuncles induced him to initiate antiretroviral therapy. Following antiretroviral therapy initiation, his atopic dermatitis improved markedly. In the present case, it was considered that initiation of antiretroviral therapy might be associated with improvement in atopic dermatitis, suggesting that HIV treatment may modulate the activity of inflammatory skin disease.As the cumulative number of individuals living with HIV continues to increase nationwide, recurrent skin and soft tissue infections should prompt consideration of HIV infection, even in non-urban regional settings. Early recognition and appropriate screening are essential for improving clinical outcomes.