Skin Problems May Be Early Warning Of A.I.D.S. (Press, 17 November 1987)
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Summary: Skin Problems May Be Early Warning Of A.I.D.S. (Press, 17 November 1987)
A recent report highlights that more than seven skin conditions, including blisters and warts, could signal the onset of A.I.D.S. infection months or even years prior to the appearance of more commonly known symptoms, according to doctors. Dr Marcus Conant, a dermatology professor at the University of California Medical Centre in San Francisco, explained that A.I.D.S. leads to immune system suppression, which can exacerbate common skin diseases such as herpes, warts, and fungal infections. These skin issues may arise well before the weight loss, fatigue, and serious infections typically associated with A.I.D.S. Dr Conant's remarks were prompted by a Finnish study that observed 235 healthy homosexual and bisexual men over three years. The study, authored by Dr Sirkka-Liisa Valle of Helsinki, reported that 33 of these men later developed antibodies to the A.I.D.S. virus, suggesting they had been exposed to the virus. Notably, all the men who tested positive for antibodies exhibited one or more of several specific skin conditions. The identified skin conditions included herpes simplex blisters located in the rectum and anus, the emergence of new warts on the hands, feet, and beard area, extensive fungal infections of the feet, and inflammation causing redness and blistering in relation to bacterial infections like impetigo. Other notable conditions were inflamed hair follicles, severe dermatitis characterised by oily scaling of the skin, and excessively dry or prematurely aged skin. Researchers previously acknowledged that certain fungal infections, particularly oral candidiasis—which presents with white patches in the mouth—and hairy leukoplakia—which results in leathery whitish areas on the tongue—are also early signs of A.I.D.S. infection. This recent study reinforces the idea that specific skin problems can serve as critical early indicators of A.I.D.S., encouraging awareness and further investigation in at-risk populations.
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