The human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, slowly corrupts the immune system, disabling its ability to safeguard the body against infection, MedlinePlus says. As the disease gradually progresses to the final stages and without the proper inhibitors, AIDS develops, which is the acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Those afflicted with AIDS experience an exceedingly low ability to fight infection---even common bacteria become deadly antagonists. Individuals who suspect HIV should seek medical treatment immediately.
Kaposi's Sarcoma and Melanoma
Both Kaposi's sarcoma and melanoma are types of skin cancers occurring in those with lowered immune systems, such as HIV. Kaposi's sarcoma is a tumorous growth of blood vessel cells and appears primarily in males who engage in same-sex intercourse. The Australasian College of Dermatologists attributes this commonality to a sexual transmission of the herpes virus. The lesions are pink, dark red, purple or brown spots on the body with varying sizes and shapes. They can either appear raised or flat and usually occur anywhere on the body, most notably the chest and arms. Alternately, melanoma causes abnormal color and shape changes in pre-existing moles, or causes new moles to emerge that exhibit non-healing sores. Consult a physician immediately if either lesion appears on the skin.
Tinea and Candida Fungus Infections
Fungal infections are widespread within the general public and may not indicate the presence of HIV. However, those afflicted with the virus will show an exceedingly progressive form of fungal infection where regular treatment does little to quell the problem. Candida, or yeast, can quickly amass in the mouth, causing thrush. White, curd-like patches appear all over the oral cavity, mostly on the tongue and on the inner regions of the cheeks. For external skin conditions, yeast infections appear on the thigh folds of the groin or beneath the breast, gradually spreading towards the genital region, including the buttocks.
Alternatively, tinea is the fungus responsible for ringworm, jock itch and athlete's foot, according to MedlinePlus. Ringworm affects the skin, including that of the scalp, groin and feet. Scaly red patches appear on the body, generally in the moist areas between the toes and groin, but they can develop anywhere. If present on the scalp, bald spots generally ensue where infected hair follicles expel hair. HIV-infected individuals show extremely progressed forms of tinea infection with little to no reduction after regular antifungal treatments.
Seroconversion Illness
Within two to four weeks of contracting the HIV virus, seroconversion illness appears as a rash similar to that of the measles, the Australasian College of Dermatologists reports. It primarily begins on the face and neck as blotchy red spots. If it occurs on the palms, excessive peeling of the skin will occur. This illness also has flu-like symptoms such as sore throat, fever, joint aches and enlarged glands. Nonetheless, these symptoms are indicative of several other illnesses and not necessarily HIV.
Other Skin Ailments
Several other skin ailments arise due to bacterial, fungal or viral infections. Those that are severe in nature or persist for long periods of time may indicate an underlying immune system issue. Herpes simplex outbreaks, for example, occur in high frequency with little improvement of regular topical and oral applications. Anyone who suspects HIV as the culprit behind a continuous skin condition should contact a medical professional immediately for testing and treatment.
