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Antihistamines are superior to topical steroids in managing Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)‐associated papular pruritic eruption |
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| Authors: | Alexander A. Navarini MD PhD Marcel Stoeckle MD Susanne Navarini MD Erik Mossdorf MD Boniphace S. Jullu BVM MVM Rehema Mchomvu AMO Marco Mbata AMO Patience Kibatala MD Marcel Tanner PhD Christoph Hatz MD Peter Schmid‐Grendelmeier MD |
| Affiliation: | 1. Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Kilombero, Tanzania;2. Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland;3. Swiss Tropical Institute, Basel, Switzerland;4. Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Berne, Berne, Switzerland;5. St. Francis District Designated Hospital, Ifakara, Kilombero, Tanzania |
| Abstract: | Papular pruritic eruption (PPE) is a frequent HIV‐comorbidity in tropical countries. Because of constant itching and social stigma, effective treatment is highly valued. In our HIV cohort in rural Tanzania with 12% prevalence of PPE, we have retrospectively analyzed responses to available treatments. Oral promethazine improved itching (P < 0.0058) and clinical scores (P < 0.032) significantly more than topical steroids. Disease activity did not correlate with CD4+ and CD8+ T cell counts and was independent of anti‐retroviral medication. Therefore, oral antihistamines are an effective first‐line treatment for PPE. |
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