The Mayo Clinic explains that the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS, is due to the infection of the human immunodeficiency virus, also known as HIV. It's most often contracted by unprotected sex, but can also develop as a result of sharing needles, accidental needle sticks and transmission from mother to child. This condition affects the cells of your immune system, which makes you much more likely to contract other infections that are damaging to your health.
Cause
Due to a weakening of the immune system associated with both HIV and AIDS, it's quite common to experience what's known as an opportunistic infection, explains the National Institutes of Health. This results from microorganisms that don't normally pose problems for individuals with healthy immune systems. While these opportunistic infections can develop within the body, a number of them affect the skin. Actually, it's often one of the first signs of an HIV infection for many people.
Types
The American Academy of Dermatology lists many skin problems that occur as a result of HIV and AIDS. Some of the more common include hives, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, folliculitis, shingles, molluscum contagiosum, thrush, hairy leukoplakia and Kaposi's sarcoma.
Symptoms
The symptoms vary greatly depending on the type of infection affecting the skin. But some of the more common signs of a skin infection associated with HIV and AIDS include rash, reddish purple lesions, silvery patches, pink bumps, pearly bumps, papules, pustules, blisters and warts along the genitals, chest, back, buttocks, legs, face and scalp. They may also be accompanied by flaking, itching, pain, tenderness, numbness, tingling and inflammation of the skin as well as white patches in the mouth or milky, white discharge from the vagina.
Treatment
Much like the symptoms, treatments for these skin problems are dependent on the type of infection affecting the skin. They often rely on a combination of topical ointments and oral prescriptions including antihistamines, antibiotics, corticosteroids and antiviral or antifungal medications, notes the American Academy of Dermatology. Associated pain or tenderness may be controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as naproxen, ibuprofen or acetaminophen. In more severe skin problems, such as Kaposi's sarcoma, which is an HIV/AIDS-related cancer that originates in the mucous membranes, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, biologic therapy and surgical excision are often necessary. Other skin conditions can be treated with ultraviolet light therapy.
Warning
At the onset of any symptoms, it's important to contact a medical professional. Some of these skin infections can lead to serious complications that may require hospitalization to adequately treat the condition.
