SECTION 3.1.8
Functions of the skin and related structures
People living with HIV may experience impairments related to the skin and related structures. Impairments may be caused by viral, fungal or bacterial infections. Kaposi’s sarcoma commonly affects the skin.
Rehabilitation interventions include psychosocial rehabilitation, advice on skin care and exercises. Potential causes of these impairments and rehabilitation interventions are shown in the table below.
Table 3.1.8: Clinical Aspects of Skin Impairments
| Impairments | Possible Etiologies | Rehabilitation Interventions 9
(for details, see Section 3.3 ) |
|---|---|---|
| Skin lesions (including cold sores, rashes, and warts) |
Herpes simplex and other viral infections Kaposi’s sarcoma |
|
| Skin infections |
Molluscum contagiosum, folliculitis,seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis and tinea, caused by viral, bacterial and fungal infections |
9 Choice of rehabilitation interventions will depend on patient assessment and available resources.