Symptoms of rash appearing in the early stage of HIV infection

In the early stage of HIV infection, some patients may develop a rash. These rashes typically begin as small red spots and may progress into small red papules or macules approximately 0.2-1 cm in diameter, mainly distributed on the trunk, back, upper limbs, neck, and face. The rash resembles those seen in common viral infections, generally does not cause significant itching, but may be slightly painful upon pressure. These rashes are usually self-limiting and typically resolve spontaneously within 1 to 3 weeks without treatment. Along with the rash, patients may also experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, sore throat, fatigue, night sweats, diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, joint pain, and swollen lymph nodes, which are manifestations of HIV viremia and acute immune system damage. However, these symptoms are not specific to HIV infection and cannot be used as a basis for diagnosis; laboratory test results remain essential for confirmation.