Q and A

Question

My skin became darker, what can I do?

I am on Truvada and Viramune. I was first dignosed with HIV in March 2008 and my CD4 count was 77 and VL 12,000,000. Now my CD4 count is 174 and viral load is undetectable. The problem is my face has become darker. Is this because of the medication or something else. If yes what can be done with this condition? Thanks

Answer

Darker skin might be linked to a low level of vitamin D (see this recent study).

As you are on Truvada, ask your doctor to check this.

This is only one of the possible reason. If you talk with your doctor, they might decide on other tests.

HIV meds are not usually linked to changes in skin colour.

78 comments

  1. Christina Antoniadi

    Hello llibeg and thanks for the question.

    What medication are you on?

    ARVs are not linked to skin colour changes usually.

    As the original post says sometimes vitamin D has been linked to such changes.

    Speak with your doctor if you have doubts about your therapy as they need to be documenting any side effects you might have.

  2. Ilibeg

    Also am positive and my skin is dark any meds for this?

  3. Josh Peasegood

    Hi Jk, what treatment have you started? As with all skin changes please speak with your doctor.

    As mentioned in the main post, your skin becoming darker is not likely caused by your treatment.

  4. Jk

    I tested positive and immediately talking the ARVs and the cd4 medication so I have been taking them for a 8 weeks now and my skin colour turns to black

  5. Josh Peasegood

    Hi Vicent, please speak to your partner about the medication you found in their handbag.

  6. Vicent

    I found a Lavigne and telatri to my partner hand bag which means she is has HIV or u can use thi pills other health ?

  7. Josh Peasegood

    Hi Gayathri, please see the answer to the main question. Truvada and TLD use the same drugs which may contribute to the same problem of darkening skin.

  8. GAYATHRI

    Recently I am taking ART TLD medicine and my face is dark.
    What to do for this. please help.

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