Rash occurs as one of the symptoms of acute HIV infection (first-stage HIV-disease). Rashes may also appear later in HIV-disease as either a result of opportunistic infections (diseases that affect HIV-positive people more seriously than others) or as a side effect of drugs used to manage HIV.
Acute HIV Rash
Among the flu-like symptoms of acute HIV infection (first-stage HIV), which occurs shortly after infection, some people develop a red, spotty rash. This rash starts on the upper body, including the head, and may spread to other parts of the body, possibly causing ulcers, according to the Australasian College of Dermatologists.
Herpes Simplex Rash
Herpes simplex viruses (HSV-1 and -2) are opportunistic in people with HIV-disease. These viruses lead to cold sores (oral herpes) and genital herpes, both of which cause red rash with blistering.
Shingles
People with HIV are at increased risk for developing shingles, caused by another herpes virus (varicella-zoster virus, HHV-3). This causes pain, as well as red rash with blisters on one side of the body.
Tinea and Candidiasis
Tinea is a group of fungi that lead to infections like ringworm and athlete's foot. Candidiasis is another fungus that generally leads to thrush, an oral infection. Both of these fungi can lead to rash in areas where skin contacts skin, such as the groin and under the armpits and breasts.
Drug Rashes
Rash can also be a side effect of antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV. Rashes that spread or occur with fever may indicate a serious negative reaction to treatment, and doctors should be informed of side effects experienced by people on antiretroviral drugs.
Tags: acute infection, acute infection first-stage, antiretroviral drugs, drugs used, infection first-stage, rash with, side effect