skin problems

[Myoho]

The thing that led me to get HIV test ( It's Positive) cos my skin problems. I got skin rash, like blister and itchy everywhere on my thigh, arm, behind my neck, my butt, back even my palm. Tried to figured it out with the help of 3 different dermatologists, and one of them gave me biopsy, result said "bug bite". A lot of skin medications, apply and oral, even scabies treatment. It didn't getting better.

After the Hiv test and result came out 11 months ago. I started Truvarda, Prezista and Norvir within 1 month after diagnosed. My skin miraculously getting better and after 1 month, the problem has stopped. I got some dark patch from these blister.
I thought, this is over, my ID doctor told me it's probably the low body immune that triggered the blister.

Well, actually even tho with medication i take, the skin problem sometimes occur, one week, i got a couple on my left hand, after couple days gone. The other week, nothing happen, the next week, on my thigh and leg, then for 1-2 months nothing happen.

Almost 2 months, I don't have it and I went to Savannah for 5 days, It's popped out again. Red blister (it's kinda like popped out from the pores) and kinda itchy on my arm and leg also my back. Not much but it's bothering me. It look like acne

My recent CD4 is 452 and VL is 30 and currently I also take addition supplement such as CO Q10, Acetyl Carnitine, B 12, Vit D3 and off course multi vitamin.

Has anyone have the same problem like me? Should I go to dermatologist again for this? are those supplement good for HIV patient and not going to interact with the regimen I'm taking? What else i can take for extra supplement?

Thank you! 

[weasel]

Hi   Myoho   ,
 I had  Impetigo   when I turned  AIDS   after over 18 years HIV POZ

    It was horrid blistery  Volcanic  pimples   

 Thank GOD   they went away after starting  MEDS in 2004 !

    I'm sure you will see that yours will go away soon !

                                                Nice to meet you ,

                                                Weasel   , The quiet Fellow 

   

[Myoho]

Thank you Weasel,
Do you think as HIV + we can't eat cheese especially those aged cheese?

[WillyWump]

I had a rash of sorts on my lower legs just before I started meds. They weren't really itchy and were more brown spots than red. Two Docs couldn't diagnose it and gave me ointments and what not. The spots/rash lingered for several months but finally went away after starting meds.

The docs just attributed it to HIV.

-Will

[sarahbrncik]

Hi my name is Sarah Brncik and I have had scabies repeatedly and have been hiv positive for several years now

[mecch]

I also take addition supplement such as CO Q10, Acetyl Carnitine, B 12, Vit D3 and off course multi vitamin.

Has anyone have the same problem like me? Should I go to dermatologist again for this? are those supplement good for HIV patient and not going to interact with the regimen I'm taking? What else i can take for extra supplement?

Thank you! 

My HIV doc advised me against CO 12 and Acetyl Carnitine. That is just my doc. His advice to me. Did you show this list of supplements to your doctor and get any response, advice?? 

[Myoho]

CO12? I am taking CO Q 10? I told my ID and she said it's alright to take them. I also found out this article.
http://aids.about.com/od/nutrition/tp/topvit.htm

[elf]

It may be due to HIV or due to wrong diet plan.
My skin has never looked so healthy now when I'm on a keto-diet (with <40g carbs a day). Topically, olive or almond oil can help, as well as zinc paste.

[Myoho]

The red blister and itchy has gone for 1 week, after I stopped eating Brie cheese. (I suspect that this cheese is the one triggered the problem)
These past two days, after shower, both of my ear become red and warm when I touch them. I also feel fatigue these days. I don;t know what happened with me. I'm worry too much i guess.

Elf: I will try to find out about keto-diet
 

[mecch]

My HIV doc advised me against CO 12 and Acetyl Carnitine. That is just my doc. His advice to me. Did you show this list of supplements to your doctor and get any response, advice??

Yeah I meant to type CO10.  Anyway, that link is a dated article and specifically does not indicate what supplements are recommended for TREATED versus UNTREATED HIV.
If any rationale for supplements is that its blocking HIV replication, such as in that link (Vitamin B-12
Studies show that levels of B12 in body fluids are not indicative of tissue stores, and suggest that 10 to 50 percent of HIV-positive individuals are B12 and folate deficient. Deficiency can lead to neuropathy, fatigue, depression, anemia, and rashes. Studies suggest that B12 can inhibit HIV infection in monocytes and lymphocytes.) -- just remember if you are treated, its HAART doing all the work needed for dealing with the HIV virus. 
Some supplmentation may be interesting for dietary reasons, or lipids, cholesterol, etc. 
My doc said that there are indications that anti-oxidant supplementation may in fact be corrosive, or even cancer supporting....ironically...

[jm1953]

I have been plagued with skin problems for the past eight years ever since I moved back from Hawaii.  I see the dermatologist often, and the consensus is most are not HIV related.  Mostly sun damage, allergies to food and medicine, stress.  Also kidney and thyroid issues. You could have a myriad of things causing this, but there must be a trigger.  Finding it is the kicker.

For me, I completely changed my diet to gluten free, dairy free, along with some other things and it has helped tremendously.  A nutritionist can help you with this.

Also, you may want to get tested for Grover's.  It is very rare, but I have it and resembles some of the symptoms you describe.  It comes and goes, is extremely itchy, looks a little like acne, and really no fun.  No cure, just stuff to make you feel more comfortable.  Could also be folliculitis.  I'm no expert, but worth perhaps talking to your derm about these possibilities and thinking about changing around your diet.  Could be an allergy to food, meds.  Lot's of possibilities. 

Good luck with this and keep me in the loop,

Best,

Jeff

[Myoho]

made appointment with nutritionist next may. I think cheese one of that trigger this skin problems. I made experiment, for 3 days, I eat Brie (my fave) and cream cheese everyday. The acne on my leg and arm started to appear. Red and itchy. I stopped and they are gone away in a week to ten days.