Dermatoses are common features of all stages of HIV infection. They may be caused by infection, neoplastic disorders, or be immunologic in origin. As immunodeficiency progresses there is a tendency for the appearance of many dermatoses to become atypical often requiring biopsy to make the diagnosis. There has been a further refinement of both anti-infective treatment as well as antineoplastic therapy, which have improved the outlook for sufferers. Many intriguing hypotheses exist concerning the pathogenesis of Kaposi's sarcoma, the hope is that further elucidation will bring about a more successful treatment.