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 zoster, 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.