Why is seborrheic dermatitis associated with HIV?

[AmericanGirl28]

I've been told I have seborrheic dermatitis and doing research on natural treatments, I always read about it being associated with HIV, which does worry me, because about 7 years ago, I had unprotected sex, with someone who's status I'm not aware of. So why is SD associated with HIV?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
For seborrheic dermatitis, Topical antifungals and mild steroids are the usual treatment and combination of the two can be used to treat stubborn patches. Oral antifungal drugs and immunomodulators such as tacrolimus and pimecrolimus are used in very severe cases.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care.

[AmericanGirl28]

Thank you! I wouldn't say my case is horrible, in fact, it's probably fairly mild, but, I'm living in a different country, and cooled climate, I'm finding I have more skin issues. I'm also under some stress...and I know I'm stressed, because I've been clenching my teeth in my sleep. I've read that those things can cause issues as well. My first onset was right before my wedding last year.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Seborrheic dermatitis is one of the most common skin manifestations of HIV infection. Overgrowth of the Malassezia yeast in the oily skin environment, failure of the immune system to regulate the fungus, and the skin's inflammatory reaction to the yeast overgrowth appear to be the chief factors that cause the dermatitis and in HIV individuals there is immune system compromisation which causes flare up of seborrheic dermatitis.Alteration of the immune system in HIV-AIDS changes the way the skin responds to this yeast leading to the higher rate of infection.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.