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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.
Abstract:
Chronic actinic dermatitis is a photodistributed, eczematous dermatitis that preferentially affects elderly men and persists for months to years. Its occurrence in individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has been described in five patients. We report four additional cases of this uncommon, chronic photodermatosis associated with HIV infection. In two of the patients, photosensitivity was a presenting disorder leading to the diagnosis of HIV infection. All patients were men of skin type VI with a mean age of 50 years, all had decreased minimal erythema doses to ultraviolet B, three of the four patients had decreased minimal erythema doses to ultraviolet A and all had CD4 cell counts of < 200 x 10(6)/L.
Insights
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.