Symptoms of rash appearing in the early stage of HIV infection

In the early stage of HIV infection, some patients may develop a rash, which typically occurs 2-4 weeks after the initial viral invasion. These rashes are often red or reddish-brown macules or papules, commonly appearing on the face, neck, and trunk. In severe cases, rashes may spread over the entire body. Generally, these rashes do not cause itching and mostly resolve spontaneously within 1-3 weeks. The rash may be caused by viremia resulting from massive viral replication and is a nonspecific symptom of early HIV infection. It is important to note that rash is not an essential symptom of HIV infection; its presence, absence, and severity can vary among individuals. Therefore, if someone has engaged in high-risk behavior and develops related symptoms, timely medical consultation and HIV antibody testing are necessary for a definitive diagnosis.