A rash is an irritated or swollen area of skin that may be itchy, red, bumpy, and painful. Possible causes of a rash in people with HIV include:
Acute HIV
A rash may be an early symptom of HIV infection. During the earliest stages of HIV, a rash can develop as the body fights off the virus, weakening the immune system.
Other infections
Without treatment, HIV gradually destroys the immune system. Damage to the immune system increases the risk of other infections such as herpesviruses and molluscum contagiosum that cause rashes and skin conditions. While a rash may be directly related to HIV, it can also be a symptom of many other infections.
Medicines
Many medicines, including some HIV medicines, can cause a rash. Examples of HIV medicines that may cause a rash include efavirenz (EFV) and darunavir (DRV).
Rashes from EFV often appear in the first two weeks of treatment as pink or red-colored patches with or without raised bumps. In contrast, rashes from DRV often occur weeks to months after starting treatment and are typically darker (red or purple) and more likely to blister or peel.
A rash caused by HIV medicine is typically not serious and goes away in several days to weeks without treatment. However, it may be necessary to switch to another HIV medicine if a rash develops and won’t go away, or if other symptoms like fever, blisters, joint pain, or fatigue also occur.
If you are taking HIV medicine, tell your health care provider if you have a rash. In rare cases, a rash caused by an HIV medicine can be a sign of a serious condition. Never stop taking your HIV medication without talking to your doctor.