Question

What can I do about skin problems?

16 June 2011. Related: All topics, Opportunistic infections, Side effects.

Hi

I have a few questions I would hugely appreciate some advice on:

Are skin problems common in people with HIV?

Since I had contracted HIV 6 years ago (but I am recently diagnosed), I have had a rash on my chest, stomach and back. I am now on treatment and my doctor says that the rash will go. I have been on treatment for 4 months and doing well (undetectable!) but the rash is still here… is there anything I can do to help it go? It looks unsightly, like a heat rash (it isn’t from the meds as I have had it before) and is really affecting my confidence levels (I am female).

Also, coinciding with my infection with the virus I also got warts. Not knowing I had HIV, I was given imiquimod (Aldara cream) which worked a treat and I didnt get the warts again for 4 years. When they came back I had cryo and that worked. They are now back again and I have been given podophyllotoxin (Warticon).

When should I see an improvement? Is there a particular reason why my doctor gave me Warticon and not Aldara again? I am finding Warticon a bit of a hassle but ultimatley will give it a go as I want thte warts to go. Will they go now I am on treatment too?

Many thanks for your help and advice. I would also like to say that this website has been an invaluable source of info and comfort in this truly horrendous period in my life.

Answer

Answer: Simon Collins

Hi

Thanks for posting a question  and allowing us to post the answer online, and for you nice comments about the site.

Skin problems are commonly reported in HIV-positive people but this generally relates to HIV damaging your immune system when not on treatment. They become an increasing problem as your CD4 count decreases, and often resolve, often completely, as your CD4 count gets stronger on treatment.

But HIV isn’t the the whole explanation because lots of people who are HIV-negative also commonly have skin problems, including rash and warts.

As with HIV-negative poeple, a referral to a skin specialist is usually needed if your doctor can’t resolve these problems. There the rash can be examined by and expert and test for other causes that may have nothing to do with HIV. The same specialist can comment on recurrent warts.

Your doctor is the best person to ask about the treatment you are now prescribed. There may or may not be a reason for your current treatment, and switching back to one you prefer and that worked before should be easy if you would like to do this.

This link to the NHS website has a good section on this, that may answer many of your questions.