What does HIV rash feel like? How to identify an HIV rash?
A rash is one of the clinical manifestations of HIV. It usually occurs
within the first two months after getting infected with the virus.
You need to carefully assess the type of rash as it can be mistaken for other types of viral infection. When it comes to HIV, there is no single rash specific to people. It primarily depends on how strong the immune system is. A weak immune system is prone to infection and can trigger a number of skin reactions. (1, 2, and 3)
Aside from medication, it is important to make the necessary lifestyle changes. Avoid being exposed to direct sunlight and heat source. Hot showers should be completely avoided as it makes the rash worse.
If you feel like you have been exposed to HIV, the best thing to do is to set an appointment with your doctor. Take note of the symptoms you have been dealing with lately so that your doctor can come up with an accurate diagnosis. (5, 6, 7, and 8)
References :
You need to carefully assess the type of rash as it can be mistaken for other types of viral infection. When it comes to HIV, there is no single rash specific to people. It primarily depends on how strong the immune system is. A weak immune system is prone to infection and can trigger a number of skin reactions. (1, 2, and 3)
Characteristics of HIV rash
Seroconversion rash
It occurs as the body produces HIV antibodies. Aside from seroconversion rash, the patient can also have a fever and swollen lymph nodes. The rash is flat, red, and not itchy. It can be found in the large areas of the body such as the back and chest. (4)Side effects of HIV drugs
A skin rash can be an allergic reaction to HIV drugs. The rash appears as tiny red bumps and affects a large area of the body. Aside from rash, the patient may also have a fever and painful muscles. (2, 3)Rash secondary to herpes
A rash is a typical manifestation of herpes, which is a highly contagious disease. People infected with HIV cannot fight off herpes virus. Their immune system is compromised and so they have worse symptoms than non-HIV patients. (1, 4)Molluscum contagiosum
It is a wart-like lesion that spreads to other people. This particular HIV skin lesions do not hurt but get worse as time passes by.Maculopapular rash HIV
It is a flat, red skin rash covered in raised bumps. It usually appears on the skin in the early stage of HIV infection. It is prominent in the face, chest, and palms.Symptoms that accompany an HIV rash
- Fever
- Flu-like symptoms such as chills and muscle aches
- Swelling of the lymph nodes
- Feeling exhausted
Hiv Rash Pictures
image source: medium.com
picture 2: An itchy HIV rash on the hip area.
image source: diseasespictures.com
picture 3: Scattered rashes on the patient's back.
image source: diseasespictures.com
image source: jamanetwork.com
image source: diseasespictures.com
picture 6: The patient has severe HIV rash on the legs.
image source: wikihow.com
picture 7: Seroconversion rash on the large area of the body. The rashes are flat, red, and not itchy.
image source: www.dred.com
image source: 4.bp.blogspot.com
image source: healthool.com
image source: eso-cdn.bestpractice.bmj.com
How long does HIV rash last?
HIV rash typically last for about two to three weeks. With the advancement of medicine, skin problems including the ones caused by HIV rash are now easy to treat. Depending on the type of rash, the doctor might prescribe hydrocortisone cream so as to improve the appearance of the rash and alleviate itching.Aside from medication, it is important to make the necessary lifestyle changes. Avoid being exposed to direct sunlight and heat source. Hot showers should be completely avoided as it makes the rash worse.
If you feel like you have been exposed to HIV, the best thing to do is to set an appointment with your doctor. Take note of the symptoms you have been dealing with lately so that your doctor can come up with an accurate diagnosis. (5, 6, 7, and 8)
References :
- https://www.dred.com/uk/early-symptoms-of-hiv.html
- https://www.healthline.com/health/hiv-aids/rashes-and-skin-conditions-hiv
- https://www.healthline.com/health/hiv-rash-symptoms-treatments
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315963.php
- https://byebyedoctor.com/hiv-rash/
- https://www.dred.com/uk/hiv-rash.html
- https://www.webmd.com/hiv-aids/hiv-rash-causes-and-treatments_#1
- https://www.stdcheck.com/hiv-rash.php
