What is the most likely diagnosis for a patient with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) presenting with flesh-colored, umbilicated, and papular lesions on the face and neck?

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: April 17, 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 Bumps on Face and Neck in an HIV Patient

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Molluscum contagiosum: This is a common skin infection in HIV patients, characterized by flesh-colored, umbilicated, and papular lesions. The virus that causes molluscum contagiosum is highly contagious and can spread through skin-to-skin contact or by touching contaminated objects.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Folliculitis: An inflammation of the hair follicles, which can be caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. In HIV patients, folliculitis can present with papular lesions on the face and neck.
  • Keratosis pilaris: A skin condition characterized by small, rough, sandpaper-like bumps on the skin, often on the face, neck, and arms. While not exclusive to HIV patients, keratosis pilaris can be more pronounced in individuals with immune system compromise.
  • Seborrheic dermatitis: A skin condition that causes a red, itchy, and flaky rash, often on the face, neck, and scalp. HIV patients are more susceptible to seborrheic dermatitis due to their compromised immune system.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Kaposi's sarcoma: A type of cancer that can affect the skin, lymph nodes, and other organs, often presenting with lesions on the face, neck, and arms. Kaposi's sarcoma is more common in HIV patients, especially those with advanced disease or low CD4 counts.
  • Cutaneous lymphoma: A type of cancer that affects the skin, which can present with a variety of skin lesions, including papular and nodular lesions. While rare, cutaneous lymphoma is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Cryptococcosis: A fungal infection that can cause skin lesions, including papular and nodular lesions, in HIV patients. While rare, cryptococcosis can be life-threatening if left untreated.
  • Histoplasmosis: A fungal infection that can cause skin lesions, including papular and nodular lesions, in HIV patients. Like cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis is rare but can be severe if not treated promptly.

Related Questions

Does cyclosporine (Cyclosporin) cause lymphadenopathy?
What is the next best step for a patient with a history of atrial fibrillation (AF) who presents with a recurrent pulmonary embolus (PE) despite being on warfarin (coumarin) with a therapeutic International Normalized Ratio (INR) of 2.5?
What is the management for intestinal obstruction secondary to hernia?
What is the most appropriate insulin for a 22-year-old patient with Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 (DM1) to use three times a day for mealtime coverage?
What is the management of hyponatremia (low sodium levels)?
Do basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) fluoresce differently under ultraviolet (UV) light?

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