HIV Rash – Pictures, Symptoms and Treatment

HIV Rash – Pictures, Symptoms and Treatment

HIV Rash Symptoms

An individual who tests positive for HIV may see what is often referred to as the HIV rash. At some point during the illness, at least 85% of HIV victims will have this rash. The symptoms occur around 2 to 4 weeks after a person is infected. But it should be noted that rash symptoms do not always occur in individual infected with HIV and having a rash does not mean that HIV has been contracted. Rashes are very common and can be caused by many diverse reasons.

An HIV rash can look frightful, but physicians say it is not a cause for concern. An individual should speak with their physician if Skin Ulcers develop which can cause bacteria infection. There are other rashes that are common for instance Heat Rash, eczema as well as rashes due to stress so it is important to not get into a stage of panic.

Signs and symptoms of this HIV rash include

• Brown or red razor skin bumps resembling eczema. Bumps are dark red and brown in individuals with light skin while in those having dark skin; these bumps are dark purple and black.


• Rashes affect any part of body, but develop mostly on areas such as the face, hands, feet as well as trunk.


• Some individuals may experience blisters in the moist regions of the body such as mouth, genitals as well as eyes.


• Folliculitis, pimples as well as acne may occur around follicles of hair on most skin areas of the body.


• Rashes may also itch in some individuals.


• Additional acute symptoms include skin peeling that can cause blisters as well as sores in the areas of the genitals.


• Individuals with rashes are also likely to develop fever, Diarrhea, Headaches, decease in weight as well as vision problems.


• Swollen glands, muscle pains and aches, loss of memory, extreme fatigues, painful and stiff joints as well as regular fevers that are not explainable.


• Herpes virus infection can cause the symptoms of HIV rashes to worsen especially in individuals at the advanced stage of HIV. Characterized by red rashes that appear as fluid-filled blisters – especially with individuals with weakened immune system.

Other Skin Rashes include

• Molluscum Contagiosum


• HPV warts


• Tinea


• Scabies


• Psoriasis


• Hives


• Eosinophilic follicutitis

Often during the 3rd stage of HIV which is known as symptomatic HIV, rashes which are more concentrated may occur. This is the stage of HIV which lasts from 1 to 3 years and occurs before full AIDS develops. The rashes throughout this stage are pink and often scaly. This form of HIV rash may show up on the scalp, face, armpit, chest as well as groin. It is imperative for individuals with HIV to take care of their health as well as the immune system to be able to defend against infections or complications.

HIV Rash Treatment

Appropriate diagnosis of any rash is very important before beginning any treatment for it. Typically HIV rashes last 1 to 2 weeks. So, if an individual notices a skin rash which is especially accompanied by any of the above mentioned symptoms; the individual should meet with their physician as quickly as possible. There is no therapy or cure of the HIV infection. Many physicians can prescribe OTC drugs to relieve the irritation as well as any itchiness which is caused. Physicians also advise the individual to avoid any exposure to extreme cold or heat as this can worsen any rash or itchiness of the skin.

You're reading HIV Rash – Pictures, Symptoms and Treatment posted by minhhai2d, the information is for reference only.

Apart from the above, individuals should know that it is always desirable to follow preventive actions to evade the problems of HIV infections. Practicing safe sex as well as staying away from “blood to blood” contact is the major measures to stop HIV infections.

Also it is important to know as well as be able to diagnosis HIV rash symptoms as they are one of the first spotting signs of AIDS. But, individuals need to keep in mind that skin rash is not always a sign of HIV.

Once the individual’s physician is aware of any new developments, there are some things that can be done to help relieve the constant itching, skin irritation as well as swelling. These include:

• Avoid extremely hot baths or showers as well as any direct sunlight. Heat will only aggravate any Itchy Skin rashes


• Take baths as well as showers which are cool and apply cold compress several times a day.


• Wear clothing which is light if at all possible, keeping the areas which are affected uncovered as clothing can irritate common rashes as well as cause itching.


• Keep notes on any new foods or soaps which can have triggered the rash. This may point to Allergy involvement.

HIV Rash Pictures

pictures of hiv rash





hiv rash on back



hiv rash on chest



hiv rash on hands



on legs



hiv rash on neck