Cutaneous manifestations of AIDS.

HIV destroys the immune system, causing group of clinical signs which are referred to as AIDS. Some of these signs are cutaneous in nature. An acute rash on the trunk is associated with HIV seroconversion. It usually disappears in 8 days but can last for several hours or 30 days. Infectious manifestations of HIV infection are common. Candidiasis represents 90% of mycoses. It usually manifests on the tongue but can also occur on oral or genital mucosa. Antifungal medication usually treats it effectively. Yeastlike fungi cause seborrheic dermatitis, which is characterized by profuse inflammatory lesions resembling psoriasis. Topical and general antifungal medication do not effectively treat it. Dermacorticoids are more likely to be successful. Dermaphyte infections also occur HIV-infected persons. Organisms responsible for cutaneous profound mycoses, which tend to be rare but fatal, include Cryptococcus neoformans, Histoplasma capsulatum, sporotrichoses, scopulariopsis, and Pneumocystis carinii. Amphotericin B is the treatment of choice for manifestation of the first 2 organisms. Cutaneous viral infections in HIV-infected persons are caused by herpes simplex virus, herpes zoster, cytomegalovirus, Epstein Barr virus, Pox virus, and human papilloma virus. A patient who has had chronic cutaneous or mucosal herpes simplex infection for more than 1 month should be suspected of having HIV infection. Actclovir can treat herpes simplex infection, herpes zoster infection, and Epstein Barr virus (to make lesions disappear). Cytomegalovirus lesions are not specific. Cytomegalovirus infection is generally fatal. Cutaneous bacteria infections include banal infections (e.g., acne and folliculitis), syphilitic chancre lesions, and granulomatous tuberculosis. Protozoans and arthropods also cause cutaneous conditions in HIV-infected patients. Cutaneous neoplasms include Kaposi's sarcoma and other tumors (e.g., lymphomas). Other dermatoses are rare but may include psoriasis and toxidermia.