The severity of the rash varies from patient to patient. Some get a very severe rash that covers a large area, while others only have a minor rash. If the HIV rash is the result of antiviral medications, the rash will appear as raised reddish lesions that cover your whole body. These rashes are called “drug eruptions”.
HIV rash is not transmittable, so there is no risk of spreading HIV via this rash.
Nausea and vomiting Mouth sores Fever[3] X Research source Dale Prokupek, MD. Internist. Personal interview. 16 April 2020. Diarrhea Muscle pain Cramps and body aches Enlargement of your glands Blurred or hazy vision Loss of appetite Joint pain
HIV rash can also be caused by an adverse reaction to anti-HIV medicines. Drugs like Amprenavir, abacavir, and nevirapine can cause HIV skin rashes. During the third phase of HIV infection, you can develop skin rashes due to dermatitis. This type of HIV rash appears pink or reddish and are itchy. It can last from one to three years and is usually found on your groin, underarms, chest, face, and back areas. You can also get HIV rashes if you have Herpes and are HIV-positive.
If you are HIV positive, your doctor will likely prescribe anti-HIV medication and treatment. If you are already on anti-HIV medication and the rash is mild, your doctor will tell you to continue taking the medication as the rash should go away after one to two weeks. To reduce the rash, especially the itching, your doctor may prescribe an antihistamine, such as Benadryl or Atarax, or a corticosteroid-based cream. [5] X Research source
NNRTIs NRTIs PIs NNRTIs, such as nevirapine (Viramune) are the most common cause of medication skin rashes. Abacavir (Ziagen) is an NRTI drug that can cause skin rashes. PIs like amprenavir (Agenerase) and tipranavir (Aptivus) can also cause rashes.
If you are going to go outside, apply sunscreen to your body to protect your skin or wear long sleeves and pants. Wear a coat and warm clothing when going outside to avoid exposing your skin to extreme cold.
You can use lukewarm water and pat, rather than rub, at your skin in the shower or the bath. Apply an all natural moisturizer to your skin to help it heal, such as creams that contain coconut oil or aloe vera, as soon as you get out of the bath or shower. The top layer of your skin is like a sponge, so applying moisturizer once you have stimulated your pores will trap water inside your skin and prevent dryness.
Avoid products that contain chemicals such as Petrolatum; Methyl-, Propyl-, Butyl-, Ethylparaben; and Propylene Glycol. These are all synthetic ingredients that can irritate your skin or cause an allergic reaction. You can also make your own herbal body wash with natural moisturizers like olive oil, aloe vera, and almond oil. Be sure to apply all natural moisturizer right after your bath or shower and throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated.
Tight clothing can also rub against your skin and worsen the HIV rash.
