SKIN LESIONS IN HIV-POSITIVE AND HIV-NEGATIVE PATIENTS IN SOUTH INDIA

Background. Various dermatologic conditions have been reported to occur with increased frequency in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals, but there are only a few studies comparing the prevalences of skin diseases in HIV-positive patients with those in matched HIV-negative controls. Methods. Skin lesions in 129 HIV-positive patients and 258 HIV-negative controls were studied prospectively over an 18-month period from October 1991 to March 1993. Results. Oral Candida, tinea cruris, and ichthyosis were significantly more common in HIV-positive patients compared to controls. Several other dermatologic conditions were found only in the HIV-positive group. Conclusions. The pattern of skin lesions in Indian patients with HIV infection may be different from that in the West.