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 Maki,
Sorry to hear about these rashes and marks. But please discuss this with your doctor.
Are you HIV positive? This website gives HIV treatment information for people who are HIV positive. Treating HIV and TB can be complex. So please let us know.
If you are taking HIV meds there can be potential drug interaction with isotretinoin.
Hi, I started taking TB meds last december 2018. Skin reaction occurs after a month on meds(quite late). I got rashes for about 3 times that month(mild and severe). The doctor said it will probably be gone(marks) after 2-3 months. But It’s already been 6 months since my rashes went off and 2 months since i finished my tb meds… yet the marks won’t fade. How can i get rid of this? Is this permanent? I’m using tretinoin and bleaching products hoping to lighten my skin but… Please help.
Hi Thenjiwe,
i-base advocates aren’t medical doctors, please discuss this issue with your doctor.
Hi I’m hiv using triabus then tb treatment i development steven Johnson sydrom now i have spots all over my body from face to under foot what can i use to remove marks please help it been 3months now
Hi Dewik,
If you have issues with your legs, please discuss this with a docotr.
ARVs treat HIV, not other health conditions.
Hi, I have dark spots (skin infection) on my inner things and swollen legs (painful). I just started my ARV treatment today together with Durobac antibiotic. Will these meds help me and after how long ? Will my swollen legs get back to normal ?
My CD4 count is 208 and no TB except my swollen legs and dark spots. Kindly advice
Im on ARV’s Atrioza can i take Purbac DS tablets for my skin problem especially my face.
Hi Thoko,
Yes you can take purbac, there won’t be any interactions.
Hi Nomvula,
Purbac double strength is an antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections. Rash is a common side effect. So please talk to your doctor about your symptoms.
What HIV meds are you taking? And do you have access to your latest CD4 count and viral load results. Please let us know.
Hi can you please advise my doctor recommend that I take purbac strength for my cd4 count now I’m experiencing the rush and my feet are killing me what can I do please advise.