Dermatologic manifestations in HIV-infected patients: A primary care perspective

Objective: To document the prevalence of dermatologic manifestations in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) on presentation to primary medical care. Design: Prospective consecutive case series evaluated between June and November 1995. Setting: The HIV intake clinic at an urban hospital. Subjects and Methods: Ninety-five individuals initiating HIV-related primary care. Results: Dermatologic manifestations were found in 82 patients (86 %). The most common conditions were dermatophytosis in 32 patients (34 %), oral hairy leukoplakia in 22 (23 %), and folliculitis in 18 (19 %), Well-described HIV-associated dermatologic manifestations such as Kaposi sarcoma, herpes tester, and psoriasis were uncommon. Conclusions: The high prevalence of treatable skin disorders found in HIV-infected patients underscores the importance of careful and complete skin examination as a fundamental aspect of the initial clinical evaluation in this population.