Update on HIV/AIDS, An Issue of Dermatologic Clinics

HIV and AIDS have not been covered by Dermatologic Clinics since 1991 and 1998. In 1991, the topic was AIDS:: A Ten-Year Perspective, and in 1998, the topic was Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Some patients infected with HIV may develop skin conditions, fungal, viral, and other bacterial infections as well as cancer. The most common life-threatening infection is a severe and unusual lung infection caused by a common parasite, pneumocystis carinii. This parasite does not cause infections in healthy people. AIDS patients can also develop an unusual cancer known as Kaposis sarcoma. This cancer begins as one or more painless, flat blotches and bumps that are pink to purple in color, and are found on the skin or in the mouth Many common skin conditions that occur in healthy individuals also occur in people infected with HIV. In HIV infected patients, the skin conditions are frequently more severe and may be more difficult to treat. Therefore, it may be helpful to seek the advice of a dermatologist for evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment. Roy Colven, MD, is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine.