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Chronic actinic dermatitis associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection
1Photomedicine Section, Ronald O.Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University School of Medicine, NY, USA.
The British Journal of Dermatology
|February 12, 1998
Summary
Chronic actinic dermatitis, a persistent skin condition, is increasingly observed in men with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Photosensitivity can be an early indicator of HIV in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Chronic actinic dermatitis is a rare, long-lasting photodermatosis affecting elderly men.
- Previous reports documented five cases of chronic actinic dermatitis in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals.
Observation:
- This study presents four new cases of chronic actinic dermatitis in HIV-infected men.
- Two patients presented with photosensitivity, which led to their HIV diagnosis.
- All patients were men, skin type VI, with a mean age of 50, and CD4 counts < 200 x 10(6)/L.
Findings:
- All patients exhibited reduced minimal erythema doses to ultraviolet B (UVB).
- Three out of four patients showed decreased tolerance to ultraviolet A (UVA).
- The findings highlight a link between chronic actinic dermatitis and advanced HIV infection.
Implications:
- Chronic actinic dermatitis may serve as an early sign of HIV infection, particularly in men with specific skin types.
- Understanding this association can improve early diagnosis and management of HIV.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the pathomechanisms linking photodermatosis and HIV.