Photosensitivity in HIV‐Infected Individuals

Abstract

Photosensitivity in HIV-infected individuals appears to be a manifestation of advanced disease. Most patients are sensitive to UVB. The most severely affected individuals are both UVB and UVA sensitive, and may show reactions to visible light. A significant Native American ancestry may be a risk factor for development of photodermatitis in patients with advanced HIV disease. Finally, patients with eosinophilic folliculitis may be subclinically photosensitive.

Chronic actinic dermatitis associated with adult T-cell leukemia

“…Recently, CAD has been reported in patients with HIV infection. [8][9][10] In these patients, the abnormal response to UVB radiation and lichenoid tissue reaction seem to be hallmarks of the advanced disease. 11 We note striking similarities in photosensitivity dermatitis between patients with HIV infections and this case.…”

HIV infection mimicking autoimmune disorder

“…2 Patients who are most severely affected are sensitive to both UV-B and UV-A light. 3 The other causes of photosensitivity dermatitis include esinophilic folliculitis, seborrheic dermatitis, molluscum contagiosum of face, and cutaneous manifestations of cryptococcal infection among many others. For unknown reasons dark skinned individuals are more predisposed to developing photosensitivity 7 .…”

“…The most commonly reported dermatological manifestations in pediatric HIV/ AIDS include infections (fungal, bacterial and viral) infestations, inflammatory skin disorders and drug allergies 1 Manifestations like photosensitivity and alopecia in HIV have been rarely reported and if so have been reported as individual manifestations. 2,3,4 HIV is associated with autoimmunity and a number of autoantibodies are detected in the sera of HIV positive individuals. 5 Rheumatic manifestations in HIV occur because of the response of the host to HIV infection and disease.…”

“…1 Manifestations like photosensitivity and alopecia in HIV have been rarely reported and if so have been reported as individual manifestations. 2,3,4 HIV is associated with autoimmunity and a number of auto-antibodies are detected in the sera of HIV positive Individuals. 5 Alopecia and photosensitivity are common manifestations of autoimmune disorders and their occurrence in HIV can be explained by a number of factors apart from autoimmunity.…”

The First Case of Efavirenz-induced Photosensitivity in a Japanese Patient with HIV Infection

“…The photosensitivity associated with HIV infection had already been reported (1)(2)(3) . This is an idiopathic photosensitivity which is manifested by an eczematous eruption in the sun-exposed skin and may correlate with advanced HIV infection in which the CD4 cell count is below 200/ l. We recognize that some drugs can induce cutaneous photosensitivity.…”