Cutaneous manifestations associated with HIV infections: A great imitator

Abstract Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is associated with an increased incidence of mucocutaneous disorders, with the overwhelming majority of the HIV infected individuals being aflicted with skin diseases during the course of the infection. Skin diseases in HIV patients are rarely fatal, but they have a significant impact on the quality of life. The immunologic stage of the infection and the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) are the main elements that determine the spectrum of the mucocutaneous involvement. Many skin diseases may occur simultaneously in HIV patients, and the course of these diseases may or may not be different when compared with HIV negative individuals. The unusual, severe, and different presentations of the mucocutaneous involvement make HIV one of the great imitators in dermatology.