HIV/AIDS Rash Symptoms and Types

What is HIV Rash?

Essentially defined as an irritation of the skin, HIV rash is one of the earliest symptoms of the disease in its first stage. It can be both mild and less painful, but when it appears later on or if recurrences happen, its outcomes can be hostile and severe. Its appearance is described as purple spots or red blotches on the surface of the skin.

Types of HIV Rash

Rashes are triggered by different types of infections. Discover these types and know what are its corresponding symptoms.

Infection of the human immunodeficiency virus

For this specific factor, rashes are brought about by HIV or AIDS. It emerges as a heightened region on the skin surface. The rashes come out as either red or purple in different skin colors. This kind of inflammation comes out during the initial infection of the stated virus – HIV.

Note that not all rashes can come from the same virus. Chances are big if these rashes are caused by different conditions. To know your risk, it is necessary that you get tested for the infection. It assists properly in providing you with better medication.

Other sets of signs that this infection can give to the body are:

• Chills and fever
• Swelling of the lymph nodes
• Headache
• Extreme weakness
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Pain in the muscles
• Recurring diarrhea

When the body’s immune system is unable to fight for the body’s stable condition, opportunistic diseases or infections are likely to take a toll on someone’s health. These diseases can be classified as the following:

Herpes virus

This virus affects body parts, which are the legs, arms, torso, and even the face. Aside from its malignant properties, it is also the common triggering factor of rashes. This condition will eventually go bad if it’s associated with the common infection – HIV.

Other forms of rashes may include:

• Shingles – may appear as water blisters
• Herpes simplex rash – the type of rash brought about by herpes virus

If you suspect yourself having these types, call for an immediate medical therapy.

Kaposi’s sarcoma

Also recognized as a cancer of the skin, this specific type emerges as spots with dark color. It occurs commonly to individuals undergoing the outcomes of AIDS. For its medical therapy, it should be dependent on the condition. Since it’s cancer, treatment can also be in the form of surgery or chemotherapy.

Syphilis

Aside from the human immunodeficiency virus, an STD (sexually transmitted disease) can also trigger out rashes. Commonly, the rashes emerge on the feet, particularly the sole region. Treatment is required to prevent hostile outcomes.

Molluscum contagiosum

Also described as warts involving liquid or water, this specific type is a rash triggered by a certain virus. It can infect body parts, such as the legs, arms, face, neck, and even the genital regions. While it is still early, treatment should be done urgently to avoid complications. Furthermore, as this type can be highly contagious, avoid using shared clothing or any form of linens.

Drug-induced rashes

Although rare and not common, several forms of antiretroviral drugs can be a carrier of rashes. After consumption, rashes can be classified as adverse reactions coming from the medicine. As this reaction is likely to vanish hastily, it’s not so severe. However, if it does not vanish for a long duration, contact your medical specialist at once. Furthermore, its corresponding signs would be a mild fever, mild headache, extreme weakness, recurrent nausea, and pain of the muscles.

Understand that rashes can be both mild and hostile. If you happen to experience the hostile forms of this condition, make sure that you have treatment available on your side.