What are the causes and treatments of blisters and cutaneous ulcers in persons with HIV?
Mouth Lesions TOP Many patients with HIV have mouth pain: what are the most common mouth lesions? The two most common oral lesions in HIV patients are oral candidiasis and oral hairy leukoplakia; they are clinical markers of symptomatic HIV infection. Oral hairy leukoplakia is a raised, white lesion that is usually seen on the lateral surface of the tongue. Hair-like projections can occasionally be visualized. It is usually asymptomatic, but may cause discomfort and impair taste and eating as it grows in size. The lesion appears more frequently in patients with lower CD4 counts and is thought to be caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Mucosal candida infections are seen as the CD4 cell count falls below 200-300 cells/mm3. The manifestations vary; they can involve the hard and soft palates, buccal mucosa, tongue, pharynx, and hypopharynx. The most common presentation is pseudomembranous candidiasis, or thrush. “Cottage cheese” plaques are seen on the soft palate, tonsils, and buccal mucosa
