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Real members of myHIVteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Does HIV give you skin problems to the reason I ask is because I'm experiencing some sort of itchiness on my arm they look like sores

A myHIVteam Member asked a question 💭
Newark, NJ
April 12
 · 
Reactions
myHIVteam

Can HIV cause skin problems like itchy sores on your arm?

Yes, HIV can definitely cause skin problems. In fact, up to 9 out of 10 people living with HIV develop a rash or other skin change at some point. The good news is that as HIV treatments have improved, managing these skin issues has gotten much better too.

Skin Show Full Answer

Can HIV cause skin problems like itchy sores on your arm?

Yes, HIV can definitely cause skin problems. In fact, up to 9 out of 10 people living with HIV develop a rash or other skin change at some point. The good news is that as HIV treatments have improved, managing these skin issues has gotten much better too.

Skin changes can happen for several reasons when you have HIV:

- Direct effects from the HIV infection itself
- Other infections that develop because your immune system may not be working as well
- Rarely, as side effects from HIV medications

The itchy sores you're describing on your arm could be related to HIV, but many different conditions can cause similar symptoms. Some possibilities include:

- Dermatitis (which forms discolored flaky patches and can be caused by immune problems from HIV or irritants)
- Herpes infection (which causes sores)
- Molluscum contagiosum (viral infection with bumps)
- Other skin conditions like tinea or impetigo

It's really important to see your doctor about this. Only a trained medical professional can determine for sure what's causing your skin symptoms and whether they're related to HIV. They can examine the sores, possibly run tests, and get you the right treatment.

Don't wait to get it checked out, especially if the symptoms are new or getting worse.

April 12
A myHIVteam Member

Yeah, early in my diagnosis I used to have very itchy skin 💪and now I use safeguard antibacterial soap 🧼 to scrub my skin and then dove soap 🧽to moisturize and soften my skin, and I back it up with cocoa butter lotion.🧴👍😃🥰🌹🥰 hope this helps and let me know what you all use. 😃👍Love you all.🥰🌹🥰

April 12
A myHIVteam Member

My skin is breaking out so bad everywhere. I go to the allergy asthma and sinus doctor on the 15th. To see if they have a solution attached is what I think I have

April 13
A myHIVteam Member

Shingles is also one of the worse rash we can get (nerves)

April 18
A myHIVteam Member

I want to take the time to say thank you so much for answering I am in for replying I really appreciate it I guess I'm going to buy some antibacterial soap so okay thanks so much.

April 13

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