HIV Rash: What Does It Look Like and How Is It Treated
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There are multiple infections and diseases including viruses that can cause rashes; HIV is one of them. Rashes as a result of this virus occur in the first two months after you contract HIV. There is a high chance of mistaking them with any other skin infection as a cause of allergy or other infections. But HIV rashes are unique. It is important to note its characteristics to be able to ascertain whether they are of the virus or not. Although it's not treatable, early diagnosis and management of the virus give patients higher chances of survival with HIV. Therefore, it is important to identify the rashes as they surface and seek medical attention. Rashes are either a condition caused by the disease or side effects of medications used. Medication for HIV RashesSkin rashes are mainly caused by the virus's interference with cells and tissues of the body. At the time, drugs used to improve the immune system and fight the virus in the human body reacted with ordinary human cells resulting in skin rashes. The drugs, antiretroviral, are manufactured by different companies hence the variation in components. While the ingredients are the same, the percentage of each element in the drug may differ to achieve different treatment levels. Thus, some are more likely to lead to rashes while some will not. Here are the three types of antiretroviral drugs that cause rashes:
These details are usually listed on the product description of every drug. It is a medical standard practice and regulatory policy that all medicine manufacturers follow. Be sure to take these details into account and consult with a doctor before using any of them. HIV Rash AppearanceIrrespective of the cause of the rashes, HIV rashes are red and usually flattened on the body. You will likely experience itching as they start to surface on the skin. The itching might prolong as long as it exists. Typically, the rashes appear on the face and chest. Sometimes they extend to the hands and feet. The small red bumps should not be confused with normal rashes. Consistent itching and rashes on your body lead to mouth ulcers. Whether it is a medication side effect or conditions of the virus, consult with your doctor for a suitable treatment guide. HIV Rash SeverityMost HIV rashes are mild and are not much of a worry except for the itching and stigmatization when in public. However, different types of rashes behave differently on the human body. Others have mild to the extent that you can ignore the itching because it is not a bother while others tend to be severe. Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is one of the deadly rash types that is caused by antiretroviral drugs. The rashes with this condition spread at least 30% of the human body. They are known to cause significant damage when persistent and untreated. The common characteristics of SJS are;
HIV Rash TreatmentTreatment advancements in a bid to control the spread and intensity of the virus cannot be underestimated. Today, people live in healthy conditions despite the presence of the virus. Awareness of elements of the virus concerning how it spreads, symptoms, prevention, and possible treatments have reduced stigmatization in society. A few decades back when HIV was discovered in a clinical test, the fear and stigmatization were traumatizing enough to kill a patient. Then, rashes were highly dreaded. This is not the case today. Rashes are the slightest concern for people living with the virus. Medication is the most common form of treatment in managing HIV rashes. You can get over-the-counter drugs such as diphenhydramine or hydrocortisone cream from a pharmacy to sort out your itching issues. The drug depends on the type and severity of the rash thus the importance of consulting with a doctor. Additionally, avoiding direct sunlight and hot showers can also help in reducing rash size and itchiness. Rashes are sometimes a result of medication change thus an allergy that can be stopped by changing drugs.
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