[Varicella-zoster virus infections]

[Important viral and bacterial infections of the skin and mucous membrane]

Skin infections are more frequent in immunodeficient patients, seniors and infants than in healthy individuals with an intact immune system. The severity of infections ranges from localized, self-limiting cutaneous infections to widespread necrosis of the skin, muscle, and fascia. The most frequent infections of the skin and mucous membranes are caused by bacterial and viral infectious agents. Fungal infection are also important especially in immunocompromised patients. In particular, viruses play an important and increasing role in the development of several tumors including HPV-associated cervical, anal and penile cancer or HHV-8-induced Kaposi sarcoma.

[Frequent and rare dermatological diseases in HIV patients]

HIV patients develop a variety of infectious and non-infectious diseases of the skin and mucous membranes. Some of these serve as indicator diseases for a weakening immune system. While none of the dermatological complications is pathognomonic, conditions such as oral hairy leukoplakia, herpes zoster, thrush, and eosinophilic folliculitis should make physicians consider the possibility of underlying HIV disease. Moreover, one has to consider HIV if these skin diseases take an atypical or severe course, or if they do not respond properly to appropriate medication. Frequent and rare dermatoses occurring in HIV infection are discussed.