References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
Skin problems are among the most common health issues in people living with HIV. They can be caused by HIV itself, by opportunistic infections, by medication side effects, or by common skin conditions that are more frequent or more severe in people with weakened immunity. With effective treatment, many HIV-related skin conditions improve or resolve.
Here’s an overview of the most common conditions.
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Common Skin Conditions in HIV
| Condition | Appearance | When It’s More Likely |
|---|---|---|
| Seborrhoeic dermatitis | Red, flaky, greasy patches (scalp, face, chest) | Any CD4 level — more severe with low counts |
| Folliculitis | Inflamed hair follicles — red bumps or pustules | Common at any stage |
| Herpes simplex | Painful blisters (lips, genitals, perianal) | More frequent and severe with low CD4 |
| Herpes zoster (shingles) | Painful blistering rash in a band pattern | Can occur at any CD4 — more common with HIV |
| Molluscum contagiosum | Small, flesh-coloured, dome-shaped bumps | More extensive with low CD4 |
| Psoriasis | Red, scaly plaques | Can worsen or first appear with HIV |
| Drug rashes | Various — from mild redness to severe blistering | Usually first weeks of new medication |
| Kaposi’s sarcoma | Purple or dark lesions | Low CD4 |
| Fungal infections (tinea, candida) | Itchy, red, scaly patches or white patches | More common with low CD4 |
Drug Rashes
Some HIV medications can cause skin rashes, particularly in the first few weeks:
- Nevirapine — rash in up to 15% of people; rarely severe
- Efavirenz — common mild rash
- Abacavir — hypersensitivity reaction (screened for with HLA-B*5701 test before prescribing)
- Darunavir — occasional rash
Most medication rashes are mild and settle. Severe rashes with fever, blistering or mouth sores need urgent medical attention.
When to See a Doctor
- Any new rash that spreads quickly
- Rash with fever, mouth sores or blistering
- Painful blisters (possible herpes or shingles)
- Purple or dark lesions (possible KS)
- Persistent itching or skin changes that don’t respond to over-the-counter treatment
- Any rash that starts soon after beginning new medication
Treatment
- Starting or optimising ART — many skin conditions improve with immune recovery
- Antifungals — for fungal infections
- Antivirals — for herpes simplex and zoster
- Topical steroids — for inflammatory conditions like dermatitis and psoriasis
- Moisturisers — for dry skin and mild conditions
- Switching ART — if a drug rash is the cause
Read more: Kaposi’s sarcoma | Side effects | What is HIV?
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my skin problems go away on treatment?
Many HIV-related skin conditions improve significantly once ART is started and the immune system recovers. Some conditions like seborrhoeic dermatitis may persist but become milder.
Should I worry about a rash from my medication?
Mild rashes in the first few weeks are common and usually settle. Severe rashes, especially with fever or blistering, need urgent review. Contact your HIV clinic.
Can I see an NHS dermatologist?
Yes. Your GP or HIV clinic can refer you to dermatology for persistent or complex skin conditions.
Related reading
- A to Z of Sex: Sexual Health Terms Explained
- Alcohol and HIV: What You Need to Know
- Anxiety and HIV: Coping and Getting Support
- Are All STIs Curable?
- Blood Problems and HIV: Anaemia, Low Platelets and More
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
