Question
Can acne be a result of HIV?
15 January 2008. Related: All topics.
l don’t know whether you can help me? Recently, l have noticed that l get a lot of skin problems, especially acne and blackspots, as well as blemishes. l have suffered with acne in the past, but it has not been this prominent. l am 35 years and have been positive for six years.
Is this HIV related and what treatment would you recommend?
My GP once prescribed Elocon cream 0,1%, a mild form of steroid, but this hasn’t worked for me, it has actually exacerbated the problem as far as l can see.
My sister went to her GP and she was given peroxide facial wash and clindamycin cream, all used once a day, she gave the extra pack to me to use. Is this appropriate with my diagnosis?
Please help l am getting paranoid, because l am so conscious with my appearance.
Answer
Acne at your age is usually a result of some kind of hormonal disbalance. Also, sometimes the acne that one had as a teenager resurfaces later in adulthood, but there is no clear explanation of why this happens.
Particular medications can also provoke acne. These include anabolic steroids, lithium, anti-tuberculosis drugs rifampin and isoniazid, antiepileptic drugs and medications that contain iodine. Chlorinated industrial chemicals are another possible cause.
There are no major reports that link HIV or HIV treatment with acne. That is why, it is important to arrange a meeting with a specialist dermatologist. Your HIV doctor or your GP should be able to arrange this referral for you. The treatment will depend on the results of this consultation.
Self-prescribing is not a good idea as some products may make this worse rather than better.
Hi Joy, thanks, this is why a doctor that is a skin specialist should be involved for skin problems.
Acne is not always a hormonal imbalance during teen years. As for adults, it can be caused by a gut imbalance, bacteria or fungal infection.
You can speak to the doctor about your son’s HIV tests and his acne. We are not doctors, unfortunately we cannot comment on symptoms like this.
Hi my son is 17 and has been suffering with severe acne, was worried, went with him to do a HIV test, twice still negative. What can I do? I’m really worried. I intend to do the test for the 3rd time. Please help.