Antihistamines are superior to topical steroids in managing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated papular pruritic eruption.
Papular pruritic eruption (PPE) is a frequent HIV-comorbidity in tropical countries. Because of constant itching and social stigma, effective treatment is highly valued. In our HIV cohort in rural Tanzania with 12% prevalence of PPE, we have retrospectively analyzed responses to available treatments. Oral promethazine improved itching (P < 0.0058) and clinical scores (P < 0.032) significantly more than topical steroids. Disease activity did not correlate with CD4+ and CD8+ T cell counts and was independent of anti-retroviral medication. Therefore, oral antihistamines are an effective first-line treatment for PPE.
Navarini
Alexander A
AA
Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Kilombero, Tanzania. alexander.navarini@usz.ch
Stoeckle
Marcel
M
Navarini
Susanne
S
Mossdorf
Erik
E
Jullu
Boniphace S
BS
Mchomvu
Rehema
R
Mbata
Marco
M
Kibatala
Patience
P
Tanner
Marcel
M
Hatz
Christoph
C
Schmid-Grendelmeier
Peter
P
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000287:Administration, Topical; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D016516:CD4-CD8 Ratio; D005076:Exanthema / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D006633:Histamine Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D011398:Promethazine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011537:Pruritus / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013256:Steroids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013636:Tanzania; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D006633:Histamine Antagonists; D006634:Histamine H1 Antagonists; D013256:Steroids; D011398:Promethazine