Skin manifestations in HIV/AIDS patients: Our experience

Abstract

Objective: HIV/AIDS represents a significant public health issue since the number of cases is continuously on the rise. Even though contemporary medicine is rapidly developing, there is currently no effective cure for HIV. Mucocutaneous manifestations often represent the first recognized clinical manifestation. This study was carried out to note different presentations of HIV/AIDS on the skin. Material and Methods: The study included 150 patients who were hospitalized and have been confirmed as HIV positive either before the hospitalization or during the hospitalization. Results: Out of 150 patients, 50 of them had mucocutaneous presentations. Frequently, mucocutaneous lesions are the first manifestation of HIV/AIDS and a pointer toward setting up HIV/AIDS diagnosis. Moreover, the same patient was admitted more than once, because of a variety of skin manifestations. Conclusion: It was recognized that the greater the destruction of the immune system is, the more severe forms of mucocutaneous diseases occur. It is considered that cutaneous manifestations are rarely considered life-threatening in people living with HIV, but they can undoubtedly impair their quality of life.