Some rashes result in spots and blotches on the surface of skin which are prominently visible with reddish coloration in the people with fair skin while they appear purplish to darker shades of HIV rash in black person. The HIV rash coloration is their distinguishing feature. These rashes are considered as initially symptoms of HIV as they appear couple of months on getting this virus. In this article we will study the symptoms of these HIV rashes in details along with the options of treatment available
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What is HIV Rash?
What does HIV Rash feel like? HIV rash appears as tiny skin bumps which are pinkish to reddish in color in the white people while in the people with darker skin tones, they appear as dark purple to brownish blotches on the skin and you can match your rashes with HIV Rash pictures. These HIV rashes appear couple of months after the entry of HIV virus inside the body and are considered as initial HIV symptoms. These spots are sometimes flat or slightly raised in some cases as well and are normally itchy and HIV rash cause a great discomfort. The characteristics of HIV rash and itch are different in different patients. It is considered that at the time of seroconversion, these HIV rashes normally appear. Seroconversion rash is a time when infection is easy to be detected in the blood with the help of diagnostic tests. Some people often mistake these rashes as allergic bumps or skin eczema without even realizing that they have caught HIV.
HIV Rash and other skin rashes:
These HIV rashes are different from other skin rashes as they appear to be raised and normally appear at hands and feet, at face and trunk. The rash makes its appearance as the body tends to fight against the human immunodeficiency virus. Does HIV Rash itch?
These rashes result in intense itching. Along with rash, some other initial HIV symptoms in the body are fever and constant fatigue, swelling across the lymph nodes, headaches, sore throat and acute muscular pain. These symptoms normally disappear in two to three weeks and virus takes over the defensive mechanism of the body.
Symptoms of HIV Rash:
HIV skin lesions or rashes generally are considered as warning that something is seriously wrong with the immune system. There are certain HIV rash stages, some prominent HIV rash symptoms at early stages are mentioned below which makes them different from other allergic rashes.
- Influenza like symptoms such as muscular pains and body aches.
- HIV symptoms rash appears along with fever and swelling at lymph nodes, the swelling can make movements difficult.
- Feeling of being exhausted.
- HIV Rash arms and groin are always painful while HIV Rash at hands and HIV rash at Buttocks are often more itchy and uncomfortable.
Who is at Risk of HIV Rash?
The rash normally appears on the body and is assumed to be an initial signal of HIV. In some cases, these rashes also appear while the treatment of HIV begins. The rash normally appears within couple of weeks once the people get HIV. It is very important to get proper blood test and diagnostic HIV tests if you have the history of having promiscuous sexual behavior and had unprotected sex in the recent past. Early diagnosis can help you to get treated. How long does HIV Rash last? These rashes last for two to three weeks.
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HIV Rash facts:
The treatment of HIV rash (acute or mild) in some patients also results in the appearance of rashes as a side effect of treatment. If this happens you need to consult your doctor immediately to get alternative medicines. These rashes are not dangerous but they cause intense itching which makes the patient highly uncomfortable. Life style adjustments are needed until the improvement in rash takes place. You need to follow some care tips such as:
- Do not go near heat
- Avoid exposure to direct sunlight as it can cause rash more itchy
- Avoid hot showers
- Wear light and loose fitting clothing and avoid wool.
- Make use of mild skin ointments and moisturizers; don’t let your skin get dry.
- Try to wear cotton and other breathable fabrics.
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HIV Rash Treatment:
As we discussed above that HIV causes rashes are different from other skin or allergic rashes and are often the initial indicators of HIV infection, it is very important to get tested for the presence of HIV if you had an unprotected sex in the recent past.
The treatment of HIV rash is now easier as there is considerable progress in the virus control and preservation of our immune system. Following treatment options are there for HIV rash:
- Doctor will first evaluate the cause of rash before prescribing over the counter medicines such as Benadryl or hydrocortisone.
- The creams like Benadryl and hydrocortisone reduce itchiness and also the size of rash and hence provide relief.
- Sometimes, the use of medicines result in allergic reactions, you need to consult your doctor if you encounter any undesirable affect after using the rash medication to get any alternative.
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The Bottom Line:
HIV rash is caused by human immunodeficiency virus or HIV, the rash appears couple of weeks after the virus gains entry in the body. People with promiscuous sexual behavior are at increased risk of such kind of infections. Also the unprotected sex increases the risk of such rashes. These rashes are often mistaken as normal allergic rashes but their characteristic symptoms are different such as influenza like illness with muscle ache and chills, fever and swelling at lymph nodes. It is important to consult your health care provider soon as rash make their appearance.
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