A skin rash is a common symptom of HIV infection. In most cases, a skin rash is an early indication of HIV and appears within 2-3 weeks of being infected with the virus. However, skin rashes can be caused by other, milder problems, such as allergic reactions or common skin problems. When in doubt, see a doctor and get tested for HIV. That way, you can get the right treatment.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Recognizing the Symptoms of an HIV Rash
Step 1. Observe the rash which is red, slightly raised, and very itchy
The HIV rash usually causes patches of skin, which are red in light-skinned people, and dark purple in dark-skinned people.
- The severity of the rash varies from one patient to another. Some patients have a severe rash over large areas of skin, while others have only a mild rash.
- If the HIV rash is caused by an antiviral medication, it will appear as raised red lesions all over the body. This rash is referred to as a "drug eruption".
Step 2. Notice if the rash appears on the shoulders, chest, face, upper body, and hands
This is where the HIV rash usually appears. However, the rash usually goes away on its own within a few weeks. Some people mistake it for an allergic reaction or eczema.
The HIV rash is not contagious. So, there is no risk of transmitting HIV through the rash
Step 3. Watch for other symptoms that may occur when you develop an HIV rash
These symptoms include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Wounds in the oral cavity
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Muscle ache
- Cramps and aches
- Glandular enlargement
- Blurred vision
- Loss of appetite
- Joint pain
Step 4. Be aware of the cause of the HIV rash
This rash occurs due to a reduced number of white blood cells in the body. An HIV rash can appear throughout any phase of infection, but will generally appear between 2-3 weeks after you have been infected with the virus. This phase is called seroconversion, which is when the infection can be detected by a blood test. Some people may not go through this phase and develop an HIV rash in the next phase of infection.
- An HIV rash can also be caused by an unwanted reaction to anti-HIV drugs. Drugs such as amprenavir, abacavir, and nevirapine can cause an HIV rash.
- In the third phase of HIV infection, a skin rash due to dermatitis may be experienced by the sufferer. This HIV rash appears pink or reddish in color, and is itchy. This rash can last for 1-3 years, and usually appears on the groin, armpits, chest, face, and back.
- You can also get an HIV rash if you have herpes and are HIV positive.
Part 2 of 3: Seeking Medical Care
Step 1. Get tested for HIV if you have a mild rash
If you have never had an HIV test, your doctor may recommend it. If the result is negative, the doctor will conclude that the cause is an allergic reaction or other factors. You may also experience skin problems such as eczema.
- If the results are positive, the doctor will prescribe anti-HIV drugs and treatments.
- If you are already on anti-HIV medication and have a mild rash, your doctor will advise you to continue taking the medication as this rash will usually subside after 1-2 weeks.
- To reduce the rash, especially the itching that accompanies it, your doctor may prescribe an antihistamine medication such as Benadryl or Atarax, or a corticosteroid cream.
Step 2. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop a severe rash
A severe rash may also be accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, nausea or vomiting, muscle aches, and sores in the oral cavity. If you have never had an HIV test, your doctor may recommend this test to be sure. Based on the results of the blood test, the doctor will prescribe anti-HIV drugs and treatments.
Step 3. Consult a doctor if your symptoms worsen after using the drug
You may experience hypersensitivity to certain medications, as a result of which your HIV symptoms, including the rash, may worsen. Your doctor should advise you to stop taking the medication and replace it. Symptoms of hypersensitivity usually subside within 24-48 hours. There are three classes of anti-HIV drugs that can cause skin rashes, namely:
- NNRTI
- NRTI
- PI
- NNRTIs, such as nevirapine (Viramune) are the drugs most commonly cause skin rashes. Abacavir (Ziagen) is one of the NRTI drugs that can also cause skin rashes. On the other hand, protease inhibitors such as amprenavir (Agenerase) and tipranavir (Aptivus) can also cause rashes.
Step 4. Do not use drugs that can trigger an allergic reaction
If your doctor recommends that you stop using the drug due to a hypersensitivity or allergic reaction, do not use the drug again. Continuing to take the drug puts you at risk for a more severe reaction that can develop and make your disease worse.
Step 5. Ask your doctor about the bacterial infection that causes the rash
People with HIV are more susceptible to bacterial infections due to abnormal immune cell function. Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is quite common in people with HIV, and causes impetigo, inflammation of the hair follicles, blisters, cellulitis, abscesses, and ulcers. If you have HIV, ask your doctor to do an MRSA test.
Part 3 of 3: Treating a Rash at Home
Step 1. Apply the medicated cream to the surface of the rash
Your doctor may prescribe an allergy cream or medication to reduce discomfort or itching. You can also buy an over-the-counter antihistamine cream to relieve these symptoms. Apply the cream according to the instructions for use in the package.
Step 2. Avoid direct sunlight or extreme cold
Both are factors that trigger the HIV rash and can also make it worse.
- If you are going outdoors, apply sunscreen all over to protect your skin, or wear long sleeves and long pants.
- Wear coats and jackets when traveling outdoors to avoid exposure to cold temperatures.
Step 3. Take a cold shower and bath
Hot water will irritate the rash. So, avoid hot showers or baths, and use cold water to soak or wipe the body and soothe the skin.
You can use lukewarm water and pat instead of rubbing your skin in the shower or bath. Apply natural moisturizers such as creams containing coconut oil or aloe vera to the skin immediately after bathing or bathing to stimulate healing. The outermost layer of skin is similar to a sponge. So, applying moisturizer after the skin pores are stimulated will lock the water in it and prevent it from drying out
Step 4. Switch to a mild soap or herbal cleanser
Chemical soaps can irritate the skin and make it dry and itchy. Look for mild soaps such as baby soap or herbal cleansers at your local pharmacy.
- Avoid products that contain chemicals such as petrolatum, methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and ethylparaben, as well as propylene glycol. All are synthetic materials that can irritate the skin or cause an allergic reaction.
- You can also make your own herbal cleansing soap with natural moisturizing ingredients like olive oil, aloe vera, and almond oil.
- Be sure to apply a natural moisturizer right after showering and throughout the day to keep your skin moisturized.
Step 5. Wear soft cotton clothes
Clothes made of synthetic fibers or materials that don't breathable will make you sweat and irritate your skin even more.
Tight clothing can also rub against the skin and exacerbate the HIV rash
Step 6. Continue taking antiviral medication
Let the anti-HIV medication prescribed by the doctor work. This medicine will increase your T-cell count and treat symptoms such as an HIV rash as long as you are not allergic to the drug.
