Clinical and epidemiologic characterization of photosensitivity in HIV‐positive individuals

Abstract

Photosensitivity associated with HIV infection is an increasingly recognized dermatologic condition with a heterogeneous clinical presentation. AA ethnicity and HAART were independent indicators for the diagnosis of photosensitivity, whereas CD4+ and UV exposure had non-significant associations. The subtleties in these and other clinical variables may directly aid in the recognition and diagnosis of this poorly characterized disorder.

Cutaneous manifestations of HIV in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy: An institutional urban clinic experience

“…Although certain antiretrovirals, such as saquinivir, possess photosensitizing properties, we previously demonstrated that this increase in photosensitivity is not likely due to this or any other medication. 23 Lastly, similar to previous reports, molluscum contagiosum was also significantly increased with HAART use (5.8% vs 2.6%; P = .03). 28,39,40 While disseminated molluscum contagiosum is often noted in severely immunocompromised patients, the authors believe this increased incidence among HAART users may be a result of the immunologic recovery syndrome where previously unidentified viral antigens are recognized after treatment initiation.…”

“…19 We have also previously reported an increase in the prevalence of photosensitivity with HAART use. 23 The specialized dermatology clinic where this study was conducted treats HIV-infected individuals who are mainly from the inner city area of east Baltimore, Maryland. The majority of the subjects are African American (69%), which is indicative of the overall east Baltimore demographic.…”

“…For example, the initiation of HAART may exacerbate herpes zoster and, as we have previously reported, also increases the odds of developing photosensitivity. 22,23 The effects of HAART on the clinical manifestations of dermatologic conditions have been subject to often conflicting reports; therefore the goal of our study was to assess the prevalence of cutaneous manifestations among an urban population of HIVinfected adults consisting predominantly of African American persons with a high prevalence of drug abuse and to evaluate the effect of HAART initiation on the spectrum of dermatologic diseases observed.…”

Disorders of immune reconstitution in patients with HIV infection responding to antiretroviral therapy

“…The former may require corticosteroid therapy alone whereas the latter may also require treatment with an antimicrobial agent. Other inflammatory diseases occurring after ART that are less well-established include photodermatitis [47].…”

Phototoxic and Photoallergic Reactions

“…New photosensitizers are reported as a cause of skin disease, whereas others are used for phtnototherapy. Studies are still being undertaken on the mechanisms and chromophores, responsible for diseases associated with photosensitivity, such as HIV infection [6,7].…”