Any rash is a cause for concern, but if you are sexually active the thought of a rash caused by HIV can be terrifying. Before rushing to the doctor, ask yourself: what does the HIV rash look like? Here will we answer that all too important question as well as discuss where it is located and other symptoms associated with the rash.

An HIV rash is a small slightly raised patch of skin with small bumps. What makes this rash distinct from other rashes is the coloring. In a fair-skinned individual, the HIV rash will be a dark red to reddish brown color. On dark-skinned individuals the rash will appear dark brown to purplish black. The onset of the rash is somewhere around two to three weeks after becoming infected with HIV. The HIV rash is generally wide spread which leads most people to seek medical attention. This is when they find out they are HIV positive. But don’t panic just yet. Rashes can look similar in appearance so let’s look at where the rash appears on the body.

Where is the HIV rash located? These small patches most often appear on the trunk of the body. The chest is affected more often that the back and the rash can occur on the neck or face. The neck and face are not affected as often as the trunk of the body, but it is still possible. In rare cases the rash will be located on the hands, arms, or feet. In late stage HIV, the rash sometimes spreads throughout the body as flakey skin and causes sores around the mouth and genitals. In rare cases the individual may experience large warts on the hands and feet. Sometimes these rashes are caused by a reaction to medication. Because this rash can lead to serious skin conditions, all rashes in individuals infected with HIV should be evaluated by a doctor. Whether the HIV rash occurs in early stage HIV or late stage HIV it is temporary and will disappear over time.

Other symptoms usually accompany a rash caused by HIV. These symptoms can be mild or more severe and resemble the flu. These symptoms include fever, fatigue, and muscle aches, loss of appetite, enlarged lymph nodes, diarrhea, and thrush (white patches found in the mouth). The good news is at this point a blood test should detect the presence of HIV. Not everyone affected by HIV will break out with a rash. So if you have other symptoms without the presence of a rash, or think you have been infected by HIV, see a doctor.

The possibility of contracting HIV is frightening. If you have a rash and believe you were infected with HIV, remember what the HIV rash looks like, the location, and other possible symptoms. If you still feel like your rash is caused by HIV, seek medical attention. Only a physician can determine if you are actually HIV positive. All it takes is a simple needle stick to put your mind at ease.