Question
My skin became darker, what can I do?
1 April 2009. Related: All topics, Other tests, Side effects.
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.
Hi Sweetness,
It’s unlikely that your skin is suddenly getting darker, especially as you’ve been on meds for a long time. This might be something that you should talk to your doctor about.
I am taking dumiva & aluvia since 2017. From 2009 until mid 2017 was taking one tablet a day. Now I have noticed that my skin is more darker. What can be the cause, ARV’s or…?
Hi Edward,
It sounds good that you’ve started HIV treatment (ART). But what ARVs are you taking? AZT can darken nail and skin pigment in Africans and African-Americans, but this drug is now rarely used. Please see this link for more info.
But what meds are you taking? And if you have access to your CD4 count and viral load please let us know those results too.
Please see this guide called Introduction to ART for a lot more info.
Hi i am Edward from Zambia taking ARVs three days now, what should i do in order to avoiding my facial skin from darkening? because am scared if that would happen
Hi Emmanuel,
What ARVs are you taking?
Hello, My name is Emmanuel. I have noticed that my skin colour has really changed to become very dark. Kindly advice me. What could be the reason for that?? Is it the Arvs or the septrin? Even my hands has somehow changed to be very dark.
Hi Momon,
Yes it’s OK to take vitamin D supplements, though the darkening of the skin may not be anything to do with your meds.
I notice a darker face of myself while taking efaverinz and zidolam. Can i take an over-the-counter supplement with Vitamin D? Is it safe?
Hi Zikhona,
This is something that you need to talk to your doctor about. It could be due to the medication or something else.
Hi iam on treatment but i regulary develop pimples and rash!
How can i help that