Having skin problems with HIV. Not on meds, cells around 600.

[lifer]

hi guys.
 

just wanted your expertise regarding this matter. im not on meds my health is pretty stable tcells around 600 and yet im experiencing a lot of skin problems especially around the jaw area and right where i shave. i have always been an acne prone person but now with hiv it seems that it just became worse and worse and it also seems like its taking a really long time for the red marks to fade which is really annoying. im seeing a derm in two weeks but just wanted to know if anyone of you have been or is going through this and maybe knows what to do with this problem. maybe its also because of all the greasy food ive been eating lately but like i said it has never been this bad.

i hope some of you can give me any advice on this problem.

thanks in advance. xoxo.

[John2038]

Hi lifer,

I was asking myself such questions, and maybe this link might interest you:

Acne Is Not a Stigma of HIV Infection

A Review of 36 Patients:
http://content.karger.com/produktedb/produkte.asp?typ=fulltext&file=DRM2005211002114

Older studies might come to a different conclusion

Example:
http://www.csu.med.cuhk.edu.hk/hkaids/research/b05.htm

Others reading:

What Causes Acne?

The exact cause of acne is unknown, but doctors believe it results from several related factors. One important factor is rising hormone levels.

Factors That Can Contribute to Acne or Make It Worse
Stress, particularly severe or prolonged emotional tension, may aggravate the disorder.

In addition, certain drugs, including androgens, lithium, and barbiturates, are known to cause acne. Greasy cosmetics may alter the cells of the follicles and make them stick together. Friction caused by leaning on or rubbing the skin or the pressure from bike helmets, backpacks, or tight collars can contribute to or worsen acne. Also, environmental irritants (such as pollution and high humidity), squeezing or picking at blemishes, and hard scrubbing of the skin can make acne worse.

Source: http://www.mdchoice.com/Pt/consumer/acne.asp


Note (non scientific points):
I went though these reading and others few days ago when I got 1-2 pimples after shaving.
But they are gone now (around 10 days).
I believe they was just a consequence of shaving. As poz, I have pay attention to them. I wouldn't have before.
I can imagine that HIV might make them a bit longer to recover (but I don't know), but the most important is that they are gone.
I also have read many time that taking vitamins is helping preventing acne.
Finally, I believe that with your CD4 (enough to fix such small issue), and as in more your pimple are located in the location where is going the blade, it make sense to think that they will go sooner or later and not hiv related.

Finally, I got a friend having problems with acne. Since he drink more water, he goes better. It also seems that olive oil (to shave !) is helpful:
http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/3745/1/Daves-Shave-Tips.html

Electric rasors seems also a better choice.

[risred1]

I would just add that the soap you use can also be irritating to you skin.

For all my life I used a basic soap, Ivory in my youth and then Pure and Natural. After sero conversion I eventually develop what i would only describe as incurable jock Itch and all these small pimples, whiteheads, on my arms. No amount of moisturizer or lamisil helped stop these issues.

I finally switch to Dove's unscented for sensitive skin, and what a difference! The lamisil is now working! and my arms are now 90% better. And I don't use any moisturizer anymore.

I don't know if it will help you all the way, but you might want to give it a try to see if it helps at all.

[John2038]

I agree with you risred1.

I also have noticed with anti-wrinkle cream. But if you put them at night and have a fan, its fine.
Seems that the pimple comes only in the absence of aeration (especially if the humidity level in the air is high), so the cream stay longer humid and cause this problem. But its not related to having or not HIV on my own experience.

[Miss Philicia]

Seborrheic dermatitis is the most comment skin issue for HIVers.  If you don't know what it is, look it up.  It effects 85% of us, so you'll most likely deal with it at some point whether you like it or not.  In almost any setting/gathering of HIVers I notice it all around the room.  Unless it's very pronounced many HIVers seem to not even know that they have it, or prefer to not think about it... not sure which it is.

[Merlin]

philly267 is right on the money. I have been having occasional bouts of breakouts within the year and it puzzled me for months. I only managed to treat it very successfully (overnight results) recently using a hydrocortisone cream, DermAid by Ego Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd http://www.egopharm.com/Products.asp?RangeID=21.

There are some pretty depressing stuff/studies on Seborrheic dermatitis and the indicative consequences of lifespans on PWHA. I need to find out more before I can take additional steps to stay more healthy.

From what I have read, certain yeast infections and B vitamin deficiency are major causes. Nutrients play a major part in the treatment of Seborrhheic Dermatitis through controlling infections, preventing recurrence and supporting skin health. Natural Garlic and Oregano are known for their powerful anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and are therefore used in the treatment of Seborrheic Dermatitis. Inefficient carbohydrates and fatty-acid metabolism are thought to be one of the causative factors. These problems are addressed in the treatment of Seborrheic Dermatitis with Vitamin B Complex 100. Presently, I also take 1000mg of Bioflavonoids from GNC daily. Anti-oxidants may be important in the treatment of Seborrheic Dermatitis. Selenium, Vitamin E and Vitamin A are antioxidants for healthy skin and hair. Essential fatty acids found in Flaxseed help the healing of skin lesions. I just started on 200mg of COQ10 daily to augment my already long list of supplementation. It's pretty early to tell if it will work.

I will keep you guys updated.

[cityboy]

Philly is correct.  This is probably seborrheic dermatitis.  It is most common in areas where there is hair or close to hair, like in your beard, over your eyebrows around your hairline.  It usually  breaks out under one eye repeatedly.  There are some pimples that you get and they fill with a clear fluid and if drained fill up several times and can leave a scar if you are too agressive with them.    I deal with this daily  and after 3 derms got a regimen down from 2 that works well.  There is a Clarifying Face Wash from Canada called "Rosula" which I use daily.  It is for seborrheic dermatitis, acne vulagaris and roscea.  Amazing product! It is the best I have ever used for this.  I would also recommend Clenia.  This is a sulfur based emoliient which is a drying agent.  Very good.  In an emergency, if you have a bad breakout and have some place important to go, there is a very strong product called Protopic, read the warnings on it carefully before using.  I would recommend to use only as a last resort.  But it kicks the shit out of it.
 
   

[isitthatbad]

Hi lifer i too have become prone to constant skin irritation i get red spots on my chest around my nipples on my stomach and on my arms and shoulders i said to my GP its since ive acquired HIV he says its not as my bloods are good meaning i have a strong immune system. I spoke with my dietician and she said she would look into zince supplements but i will speak with my clinical nurse and my consultant

[Morton Salt]

I HAVE THE SOLUTION.

I suffered for years with little white blisters that popped up about 2 days after i shaved. Redness, sore, the whole works.

Buy yourself some TEND SKIN.  apply it after you shave, problem solved.

Let us know how it works. 

~Morton Salt
'
"IM THE KING OF THE SALTS"