Study of Skin, Hair and Nail Changes among HIV Patients and Their Correlation with CD4 Count

Abstract

Background: Skin is the most commonly affected organ (90%) in patients with HIV/AIDS. The prevalence of cutaneous involvement approaches 100% and has been recognized as important initial clues to the diagnosis of HIV infection, the possible existence of an associated systemic disease and also in some cases the stage of involvement. The aim of this study is to know the prevalence of manifestations of skin, hair and nail among HIV patients and its correlation with CD4 count. Methods: A total of 100 HIV seropositive patients were selected to do this study. Patients presenting with changes in skin, hair and nails were analyzed among selected population. CD4 counts of all patients were also assessed. All the results were analyzed and tabulated. Results: Among noninfectious dermatoses, seborrhoeic dermatitis (10%) was predominantly observed in 10 patients followed by generalised xerosis (5%), ichthyosis (3%), psoriasis (1%). Among dermatoses, most commonly Pruritic papular dermatoses were observed about 12%, followed by eosinophilic folliculitis (3%), papular urticaria(1%). Many of the changes of skin, hair, nail and also oral manifestations were presented among HIV patients with CD4 count <200 cells/mm3. Conclusion: Frequency of varied manifestations increased with the fall of CD4 count. Correlating 'CD4 counts' to 'skin lesions' could serve as a guide to start and monitor antiretroviral therapy and to find the prognosis of the diseases.