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 Rosemary,
Please ask the doctor to look at your spots.
But do you have access to HIV treatment? What HIV meds are you taking? And do you know your viral load and CD4 count results?
Please let us know.
am hiv positive av sports n my both hands and legs,what might be the causeu
Hi Anonymous,
Sorry, i-Base is an HIV treatment information resource. Unfortunately we are not doctors. Please talk to your doctor about the TB and treatment.
I have tubercular lymphadenopathy. I’m taking medications for it . But my skin tone has gotten 2-3 shades darker. Specially of my face, hands and feet. And no i am not HIV positive. What could it be that’s causing my skin to darken?
Hi Assanda,
Please see the above post. Skin darkening is discussed here. However, skin darkening isn’t something that is common with Atrozia.
Hi I’m HIV POSITIVE I’m taking Atroiza and I’ve notice my skin tone is becoming dark. What can I use to go back to my tone.
Hi Catherine,
What ARVs are you taking? What does the doctor say about your dark skin?
As the this Q&A above says, darkening of the skin may be caused by low levels of vitamin D. So it’s a good idea to talk to the doctor about it.
Hi im on arvs and my skin is dark pls help which cream can I use for pigmentation
Hi Glena,
I’m sorry to hear this. Are you HIV positive? What HIV meds are you taking? i-Base is an HIV treatment information service.
Treating HIV and TB together can be complex. It’s important that you talk to your doctor about how treatment for both can work together well.
Do you have access to your CD4 count and viral load results?
I have TB in gut ,, after taking pills for my illness my skin gets brown and dark ,, what should i do ?