Cutaneous reaction ts ultraviolet irradiation in human-immunodeficiency-virus-infected patients - A case-control Study

Background: HIV-infected patients, like renal transplant recipients, are at increased risk of developing skin cancer in photoexposed areas. Previous s tudies demonstrated that prolonged ultraviolet (UV)-induced erythema and a decreased and delayed tanning could be correlated with an increased risk of skin cancers. Objective: As HIV-infected patients are at an increased risk of developing skin cancers, we aimed to assess the cutaneous response to U V irradiation in these patients. Methods: Twelve HIV-infected patients and 12 healthy volunteers were included in a prospective case-control study. No patient or volunteer had a history of skin cancer or photodermatosis. The minimal erythemal dose (MED) was determined using a solar simulator UV sour ce, and, then, each subject underwent an exposure of 6 MED. The erythemal a nd pigmentation responses were studied using a visual scale and a tristimul us colorimeter over a 4-week period. Results: We failed to demonstrate any significant differences between HIV-infected patients and controls for eryt hema and delayed pigmentation. No difference was found for MED between the two groups although most HIV-infected patients received potentially photose nsitive drugs. Conclusions: Our results suggest that, as a group, the. HIV- infected patients without a history of photosensitivity or skin cancer did not demonstrate a greater susceptibility to intense UV irradiation in terms of erythema and pigmentation induced by intense UV exposition.