HIV Dermatology in Canada: Cutaneous Disease Burden and Demographic Characteristics of a Specialized Urban Practice

Background: The introduction of antiretroviral therapies has changed the pattern of cutaneous disease in individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Objective: To assess demographic characteristics, severity of immunosuppression, and frequency of dermatologic disorders in patients presenting to a Canadian specialized HIV dermatology practice. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed of 183 consecutive outpatient and inpatient consultations to a single HIV dermatology practice from January 2007 to December 2008. Results: One hundred sixty-three (88%) patients were male, with an average age of 45. Forty-six patients were not on antiretroviral therapy. Verruca was the most common diagnosis, seen in 29 patients, followed by dermatophyte infection, seen in 27. Patients with a low CD4 count (p = .0001) and a high viral load (p = .0043) were more likely to present with an HIV-specific dermatosis. Conclusion: Cutaneous infections were the most common diagnoses in this cross section. Classic HIV dermatoses were seen more frequently in those with more advanced disease owing to HIV infection.