ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The number of patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Korea has increased steadily. Cutaneous disorders are common during the course of HIV disease as a result of the acquired immunodeficiency or are related to treatment. However, there have only been a few studies on cutaneous disease in HIV infected patients in Korea. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the characteristics of cutaneous disease in HIV infected patients in Korea. METHODS: We surveyed questionnaires answered by 35 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients. Clinical data was also collected through physical examination by a dermatologist and, if available, medical records were reviewed. RESULTS: The most frequent and persistent cutaneous disease in HIV infected patients in Korea was seborrheic dermatitis. Oral candidiasis, folliculitis, condyloma accuminata, and syphilis were also common. About 30% of patients who received antiretroviral treatment complained of adverse drug effects related to antiretroviral treatment. There was a positive correlation between the duration of HIV infection and the frequency of cutaneous disorders. CONCLUSION: We found that HIV infected patients want to have more information on cutaneous disorders associated with HIV infection. The patient education should be focused on seborrheic dermatitis, oral candidiasis, folliculitis, condyloma acuminata, syphilis, and the adverse drug effects associated with antiretroviral treatment.
