Question
Can ARVs cause my skin to change colour?
20 November 2016. Related: All topics.
I have been on Efavirenz and Dumiva since testing HIV+ in May 2016. After about 3 months after taking treatment I noticed that the skin on my hands and top of my feet was darker than usual. Is hyperpigmentation a known side effect of the ART’s mentioned above ?
Answer
Thanks for getting in touch.
ARVs are not known to cause changes in skin colour. Therefore, you may need to talk to a skin specialist.
Hello Maria and thanks for getting in touch.
If I understand correctly your son is not living with HIV.
There should have been some follow up from the hospital.
Your son needs to have a confirmatory test at an HIV centre and the doctors will guide you for the next steps.
If you are asking about the darkened skin then this is not caused by HIV medication, it is usually related to other conditions and you need to discuss this with a doctor.