Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Treatment Side-effects; Skin Disorders

Individuals with HIV can develop minor skin complications when they start HAART. The most common reaction is a rash, or dry patches anywhere on the body. These problems will usually resolve themselves after your body gets used to the treatment medications.

However, there are a couple of things to keep and eye out for:

If the rash is accompanied by a fever, nausea or coughing, speak with your doctor; go to emergency if symptoms rapidly worsen, or if you have difficulty breathing.

After starting HAART, as our immune system becomes reconstituted (stronger), flare-ups of skin disorders are common, with eosinophilic folliculitis being one of the most common issues.

As dry skin can also be a problem, topical creams containing oatmeal, calendula (marigold), silicone or Vaseline should all help. Apply at least once daily, particularly after you shower.

Do you have any questions about treatment side-effects? Please drop us a note. Until next week...be well!

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