Intractable Pruritus: A Presenting Sign of HIV Infection.
- Author:
Jun Young SEONG
1
;
Sook Hyun KONG
;
Ho Seok SUH
;
Yu Sung CHOI
Author Information
1. Department of Dermatology, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Korea. cardura@naver.com
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS);
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV);
Pruritus
- MeSH:
Adult;
Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active;
Brain;
Dermatitis, Atopic;
HIV Infections*;
HIV*;
Humans;
Lymphoma, B-Cell;
Male;
Pruritus*;
Seizures;
Skin;
Ulcer
- From:Korean Journal of Dermatology
2017;55(1):45-48
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
To achieve early detection of HIV infection, physicians must be aware of symptoms related to HIV infection. Dermatologists, in particular, can play an important role, because more than 90% of patients infected with HIV will develop at least one type of dermatologic disorder, which may be the first indicator of the existence of infection. A 26-year-old male presented with a one-year history of intractable pruritus associated with multiple excoriations and small ulcers. Initially, his condition clinically resembled adult atopic dermatitis. However, no improvement was observed despite treatment including narrowband ultraviolet B (UVB), antihistamine, and topical and systemic corticosteroid. After a week, the patient developed seizures and was diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the brain. HIV testing was performed, and the patient was revealed to be HIV-positive. He began highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), and the pruritus and skin condition improved dramatically. Herein, we report a case of HIV infection for which the presenting sign was intractable pruritus.
