Human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, is a retrovirus that progressively destroys CD4+ lymphocytes, making the body susceptible to attack by foreign, infectious agents and many forms of cancer. During the initial period of infection, the HIV virus rapidly replicates within the CD4+ T cells weakening the immune system and causing 80 to 90 percent of newly infected individuals to a develop a low grade fever and a rash. As the HIV infection progresses to AIDS, many patients develop AIDS-associated Kaposi sarcoma, a cancer that causes a rash that can spread.
Skin Lesions
Kaposi sarcoma is the result of a weakened immune system which leaves the body susceptible to infections such as human herpes virus 8, or HHV-8. Kaposi sarcoma originates from the endothelial cells as a response to infection by HHV-8. This condition causes a rash that may be purple, pink or red, and may coalesce into blue-violet plaques or nodules, notes Merck Manuals. These raised skin lesions or rash may range in size from a few millimeters to large confluent areas.
Oral Lesions
According to the University of California, San Francisco, about one-third of patients diagnosed with AIDS-associated Kaposi sarcoma develop lesions in the oral cavity. Lesions on the hard palate are the most common and they are characterized by flat, red or purple plaques are either localized or diffuse to different areas of the mouth. Large nodular lesions involving the hard or soft palate also occurs in patients and may proliferate outward and ulcerate, causing bleeding.
Kaposi Sarcoma-Associated Lymphedema
Lymphedema is a frequent complication of AIDS-associated Kaposi sarcoma. While the exact mechanism of AIDS-associated lymphedema is unknown, scientists believe it's caused by Kaposi sarcoma cells blocking the lymph nodes and disrupting the normal circulation of lymph fluid around the body, notes LymphEdemaPeople.com. Kaposi sarcoma lymphedema commonly affects the legs, feet, groin, external genitalia and the periorbital tissues.
