Skin manifestations of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV): Part 1. Infectious manifestations

The incidence of the autoimmunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is rising at an alarming rate. Usually, the first clue to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease is an infection of the skin. The author describes a number of fungal, viral, and bacterial infections seen in HIV-infected patients and names the most effective therapies. Because HIV is immunosuppressive, the cutaneous conditions seen will be more difficult to treat than in nonimmunosuppressed patients, recurrence is more common, and permanent prophylactic therapy may be necessary. Part 2, to be published next month, will discuss noninfectious inflammatory diseases of the skin, malignant cutaneous neoplasms, and nonclassified skin changes found in HIV-infected individuals. These skin infections are manageable if patients are seen as early as possible, a diagnosis is confirmed promptly, and aggressive therapy is initiated.