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Diseases

HIV Patients Still at High Risk for Skin Conditions

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

People living with HIV (PWH) who have complex health conditions are at a high risk of developing skin problems, such as infectious dermatoses, inflammatory dermatoses, or cutaneous malignancies (CM). According to a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, the incidence of dermatologic disease (DD) has decreased over time, but it still remains prevalent among PWH. The researchers analyzed data from a cohort of 11,738 adults enrolled between 2011 and 2023 and found that 49.4 percent of participants had at least one dermatologic diagnosis, with infectious conditions being the most common.

Key Takeaways:

  • A longitudinal cohort study of 11,738 adults with HIV found that 49.4 percent had at least one dermatologic diagnosis, with infectious conditions being the most common (41.4 percent).
  • The incidence of dermatologic disease declined across all categories from 2011 to 2024, including infectious (463 to 41), inflammatory (306 to 62), and cutaneous malignancies (31 to six) cases per 1,000.
  • The odds of cutaneous malignancies were more than sixfold greater among cisgender females.
  • Risks associated with dermatologic disease included lower nadir CD4 count, older age, public insurance, and prior opportunistic infections.
  • The researchers emphasized the importance of integrating dermatology into HIV care to address complex skin conditions.
  • Participants with public insurance had higher DD risk, indicating a potential need for more comprehensive coverage.

Statistics:

  • 49.4 percent of participants had at least one dermatologic diagnosis, with infectious conditions being the most common (41.4 percent).
  • The incidence of dermatologic disease declined across all categories from 2011 to 2024, including infectious (463 to 41), inflammatory (306 to 62), and cutaneous malignancies (31 to six) cases per 1,000.
  • The odds of cutaneous malignancies were more than sixfold greater among cisgender females.
  • 41.4 percent of participants had infectious dermatoses as their dermatologic diagnosis.

Sources:

  • Yagiz Matthew Akiska et al., "Characterizing the Prevalence, Incidence, and Risk Factors of Dermatologic Disease among Adults with HIV in a Cohort Study", Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, online October 14 (corresponding author, The George Washington University in the District of Columbia).

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