Two Cases Of HIV Infection Manifested As Prurigo

We describe two cases of HIV infection with prurigo as major clinical manifestation.Case 1. A 35-year-old man presented with severe itch, rash and weight loss for nearly two years. Multiple dark red patches were distributed all over the body, with a dominant distribution on the face, chest, back and the extensor aspects of extremities, also a few scales were seen on the rashes. He was found to be positive to HIV antibody test. The absolute CD4 cell count was 47 cells/μL and the CD4/CD8 ratio is 0.02. Periangiitis in both superficial and deep layer of dermis was suggested by the pathological examination. He was diagnosed as HIV associated prurigo and treated with antihistamine drugs, glucocorticoid and immunomodulator.Case 2. A 34 year-old man presented with dark red maculopapules and plaques of more than 1 year's duration. The lesions were distributed symmetrically all over the body, especially on the area of face and the extensor parts of extremities. He was also positive to HIV antibody test and the confirm test, the phototesting was positive as well. With a CD4/CD8 ratio of 0. 03, his absolute CD4 cell count was only 15 cells/μL, The diagnosis of photosensitive dermatitis associated with HIV infection was made. We treated the patient with hydroxychloroquine, sun-protection and antihistamine drugs, the skin lesions were remitted after one week.