Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: September 27, 2025 • View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for HIV Positive Patient with CD4-540 and Skin Lesions over the Axillae

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Molluscum contagiosum: This is a common skin infection in HIV-positive individuals, especially those with lower CD4 counts. The presence of skin lesions in the axillae, which are typical sites for molluscum contagiosum due to skin-to-skin contact, makes this a highly likely diagnosis.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Seborrheic dermatitis: This condition is prevalent in HIV-positive patients and can present with skin lesions in the axillae, among other areas. The compromised immune system can exacerbate symptoms.
  • Eczema (atopic dermatitis): Eczema can cause skin lesions in various body parts, including the axillae. In HIV-positive individuals, eczema can be more severe and difficult to manage.
  • Folliculitis: An inflammation of the hair follicles, which can be caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. In HIV-positive patients, especially with lower CD4 counts, the risk of opportunistic infections increases.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Kaposi's sarcoma: Although less common, Kaposi's sarcoma is a significant consideration in HIV-positive patients, especially those with lower CD4 counts. It can present with skin lesions, and early diagnosis is crucial for treatment.
  • Cutaneous lymphoma: This is a rare but potentially deadly condition that can present with skin lesions. In HIV-positive individuals, the risk of lymphoma is increased, making this a critical diagnosis not to miss.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma: While these skin cancers are less common in the axillae and not as directly associated with HIV, immunosuppression can increase the risk of various skin cancers.
  • Histoplasmosis or other fungal infections: In HIV-positive patients, especially those with very low CD4 counts, disseminated fungal infections can occur, sometimes presenting with skin lesions. However, these would be less common in the axillae without systemic symptoms.

Related Questions

What is a comparable dose of losartan (Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker) to telmisartan (Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker)?
What is the treatment for metapneumovirus pneumonia?
What are the causes and associated ECG changes of concentric and eccentric left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH)?
When can warfarin (anticoagulant) be restarted after surgery?
What is the treatment for New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase (NDM) Escherichia coli (E. coli) resistant to ceftazidime (Ceftazidime)-avibactam (Avibactam) and aztreonam (Aztreonam) combination?

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.

Ask Question