Prevalence and clinical spectrum of skin disease in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus.
We examined 100 serial patients who were receiving care in a county outpatient immunodeficiency clinic and whose serum was positive by Western blot test for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Skin disorders were found in 92% of these HIV-infected patients, with little difference in prevalence or severity in three clinical categories: patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related complex, and those who were asymptomatic. Patients positive for HIV antibodies had significantly more skin disease, with the exception of dermatophytosis, than did a historical control population. A strong association was observed between the use of zidovudine and the absence of infection with Candida albicans. We conclude that there is a high prevalence of skin disease in HIV-positive patients who seek medical care, and that specialists in skin disease should be included in these patients' initial evaluation and continuing care.
Coldiron
B M
BM
Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75235.
Bergstresser
P R
PR
D000328:Adult; D002177:Candidiasis / Q000453:epidemiology; D012628:Dermatitis, Seborrheic / Q000453:epidemiology; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000150:complications*; D006716:Homosexuality; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D007654:Ketoconazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders; D015215:Zidovudine / Q000627:therapeutic use
D015215:Zidovudine; D007654:Ketoconazole