PATHOLOGY OF HIV-RELATED SKIN-DISEASE

Pruritus is a common complaint in the HIV-infected patient.1 In this population, pruritus may be associated with primary skin disease, may be found with underlying systemic disease, or may be idiopathic in origin. It may be disabling enough to interfere with the quality of a person's life, and it may be difficult and frustrating to treat. Therefore, it is important for the physician to understand the common causes of pruritus in the HIV-infected patient (Table 1) so that the underlying contributing factors can be eliminated and effective treatment instituted expeditiously. © 1991.