Question
What can I do about darkening of the skin and thinning of the limbs and face?
3 April 2009. Related: All topics, Side effects.
I am on Truvada and nevirapine for HIV, I am also on a preventetive antibiotic Septrin, because my CD4 count is below 200 (i.e 156). I was dignosed with TB but have since finished treatment for TB. My problem is that since I started treatment I developed changes in my body that might be noticed by those who knew me before. Changes include darkening of skin, especially face, thinning of face, arms and legs. Are these changes due to the medication I am taking? If yes, what can be done with the problem? Thank very much and keep on doing the good job you are doing for us.
Answer
Thank you for your question.
Darkening of the skin may be a result of low levels of vitamin D. I have replied to a similar question here. Hope you find the answer useful too.
As for the thinning of the face, legs, etc, this may be a condition called lipodystrophy. There is a very detailed information about it here.
Please note that taking the ARVs is still very important, as your CD4 count is still low. Your doctor may decide to make changes after you talk to him/her. It is important, however, that you do not interrupt or change medicines on your own.
Hi Michelle,
What HIV meds are you taking? AZT can darken nail and skin pigment in Africans and African-Americans, but this drug is now rarely used. But do you have a rash too? You can find more info about rash in this guide to side effects. Please ask your doctor to look at your rash. If it’s a side effect of your meds you can ask about changing treatment.
Ever since I HV started my HIV medication my face has become dark an HV pimples ,when ever I stop to drink my medication I become better please help me what can I used to prevent side effects
Hi Pynshngain,
Which ARVs are you taking? Are you getting enough vitamin D?
Before my skin are glow and brownies type but after i take a HIV and tb medicine it’s become dull and dark what to do please let me know
Hi Thandiswa,
Purbac pills are an antibiotic. They are used to treat or prevent infections such as pneumonia and TB. HIV positive people can be at increased risk of these infections.
You need to take the whole course of Purbac treatment and not stop for a few days. But if you have a serious rash it’s important that you see the doctor straight away in case it is a serious reaction to Purbac.
Hi I was given purbac pills and I skipped them for two day ,I now have serious itchy rash so should I continue with the treatment or stop for two days
Hi Aliza,
What meds are you taking for HIV? AZT can darken nail and skin pigment in Africans and African-Americans, but this HIV drug is now rarely used in the UK.
Emtricitabine (FTC) has been reported to cause pigment changes (mainly to the palms of the hands or soles of the feet) in African people. FTC is included in many ARV combinations.
But you can ask the doctor look at your skin and talk about your TB and HIV meds and find out if they can be causing skin tone changes.
Ummm…. I have been taking tb medication and my skin tone has been changed so how can I make it better.
Thank you. Plz answer because I’m worried.
Hi Mpumi, It’s good that you’re getting treatment for HIV and TB. And as it says on this question above, darkening of the skin could be because of low levels of vitamin D. Purbac Double Strength is an antibiotic that many people take if they have low CD4 counts. It can help protect against many infections. In some countries it is also used for TB treatment, especially when CD4 counts are low. You can talk to your doctor about what’s causing your skin to darken. And also ask how well the HIV treatment is going. Treatment for HIV means your CD4 count can recover. And once your CD4 count is stronger you might be able to go without Purbac.
Hi started taking TB treatment last year July and my Hiv treatment as well. However my face is darker now and I don’t know what’s wrong. My medication is Purbac Double Strength and Triventz.