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HIV Rashes and Symptoms

[ Back to News Page ] Dated: 21-Jun-2025

How to identify HIV rash?

Rash is a common symptom of HIV infection. It often appears as an early symptom within two to three weeks after contracting the virus. However, rashes can also be caused by other, less dangerous factors, such as allergic reactions or skin issues. If you have concerns, you should consult your doctor and get tested for HIV. This will ensure you receive the correct treatment for your condition.

Recognizing the Symptoms of an HIV Rash

Check if the rash is red, slightly raised, and itchy. HIV rashes typically cause spots and blotches on the skin. On light-skinned individuals, these appear red, while on dark-skinned individuals, they may appear dark purple.


Pay attention if the rash appears on your shoulders, chest, face, upper body, and arms.

These are typically areas where the HIV virus manifests on your body. However, rashes often resolve on their own within a few weeks. Some people mistakenly attribute them to allergic reactions or eczema. HIV rashes are not contagious, so there is no risk of transmitting HIV through the rash.

When you have an HIV rash, be aware of other symptoms that may also appear.

These include:

Getting Medical Care

If you have a mild rash, get an HIV test. If you haven’t been tested for HIV yet, your doctor should conduct a blood test to check if you are infected with the virus. If the result is negative, your doctor will determine whether your rash is caused by an allergy to food or other factors. You might also have skin issues such as eczema.

If you test positive for HIV, your doctor may prescribe antiretroviral medications and treatment.

If you are already on antiretroviral medications and the rash is mild, your doctor will likely advise you to continue taking the medication, as the rash should resolve within one to two weeks.

To reduce the rash, especially itching, your doctor may prescribe antihistamines such as diphenhydramine or cetirizine, or corticosteroid creams.


If the rash is severe, seek medical attention immediately. Severe rashes may also be accompanied by other symptoms of the virus, such as fever, nausea or vomiting, muscle pain, and mouth sores. If you have not been tested for HIV yet, your doctor should conduct a blood test to check for HIV infection. Based on your test results, the doctor will prescribe antiretroviral medications and treatment.


Do not take any medications that could cause an allergic reaction. If your doctor advises you to stop taking a medication due to an allergy or allergic reaction, do not resume taking it. Taking it again could trigger a more severe reaction, potentially worsening your condition.


For HIV testing, you can use an HIV blood test kit.

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HIV has its effect all over the body including the human skin which is the most obvious HIV symptom. There, it takes the form of red pigmentation or continual growth of pimples. Patches similar to tropical fungal skin infections or eczema can also grow because of HIV infection. It has been studied that 90% of the people who have contracted HIV, haveexperienced some type of skin infections. Still the best way to determine if a person is infected by HIV virus or not is by carry out a HIV Test using a HIV Kit / HIV Test Kit.

However, doctors say, that HIV rashes are not a subject of concern because they are not contagious. These rashes do not rupture like chicken pox. These rashes cannot be apparently seen, as they usually grow in the shoulder and chest area. More over, proper medication can easily treat HIV rashes. Most of the time, other types of pre existing rashes, accompany HIV rashes.

HIV rashes occur due to two reasons

However, not every unusual rash means the presence of HIV. Rashes can also occur in HIV positive people due to drug eruption, Kaposi Sarcoma lesion and Herpes infection. Nevertheless, it is alwayswise to consult the dermatologist. Though people belonging to the high-risk groups like, homosexuals, IDUs, people with multiple sex partners should always visit a doctor whenever they encounter any symptoms of unusual rash on any part of their skin.

The salient features of HIV rash are:

When does HIV rash grow?

Rashes are the symptoms of the primary stages of the HIV infection. The infection grow during the period of sero-conversion, when the antibodies may develop which is about two or three weeks after the contraction of HIV. If HIV test is done during the existence of HIV rashes, then there is more possibility for the diagnostic test to be more precise. The tinges of the virus and presence of HIV antibodies can be easily located in this stage. Therefore, this is the best time for the highly risked groups to go for the test, in order to get a more accurate result.
 

HIV Symptoms

    

Acute HIV Infection


When Does Acute HIV Rash Appear?

​What Does It Look Like?

Associated Symptoms

Is HIV Rash Itchy?

However, it is important to note that not all HIV-positive individuals will develop a rash during the primary infection stage. Some may not exhibit other early symptoms of the infection.


Treatment and Management of Rash

Chronic HIV Infection

What Are the Symptoms of Chronic HIV Infection?

However, in some cases, you might experience mild infections with symptoms such as:


What Happens if You Don’t Treat Chronic HIV Infection?

What Happens if You Do Treat Chronic HIV Infection?

How Do You Know if Chronic HIV Has Progressed to AIDS?

How Does Chronic HIV Infection Affect Other Conditions?

Advanced HIV Infection (AIDS)

HIV Bumps

HIV bumps refer to various types of skin lesions that can appear at different stages of HIV infection. These bumps may vary in size, shape, and color, and can be either flat or raised. Common types include maculopapular rashes, which are small, flat or raised red or pink bumps often seen in the acute stage of HIV; Kaposi’s sarcoma, which manifests as purple or reddish bumps and is associated with advanced AIDS; and folliculitis, characterized by inflamed hair follicles that can resemble acne.

The symptoms of HIV bumps can range from itchiness and discomfort to pain and tenderness, depending on the type and severity. The appearance of these bumps is often due to the immune system being compromised by HIV, leading to a heightened susceptibility to infections and skin conditions.

Management of HIV bumps involves various treatments depending on their type. Topical treatments such as creams or ointments may alleviate symptoms, while more serious conditions like Kaposi’s sarcoma might require specialized medical treatments including antiretroviral therapy (ART) and targeted therapies. It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

If you notice unusual bumps on your skin and are concerned about HIV or its effects, seeking medical advice is crucial for proper diagnosis and management.

Relief from HIV rashes

Read More

For more detailed information on HIV symptoms and stages, visit our detailed guide or consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.