Are Those Bumps HIV Symptoms? What You Should Look For
Writer: Gillian Singer, MPH
Are Those Bumps HIV Symptoms? What You Should Look For
Noticing unexpected bumps on your skin can be concerning, especially if you're wondering whether they could be a sign of HIV. While certain skin changes can be linked to HIV, there are many other possible causes, too. For example, other sexually transmitted infections, allergies, ingrown hairs, injuries, and much more can cause skin irritation and/or bumps.
The only way to know for sure is to get tested, but understanding the signs can help you know what to look for. Not everyone with HIV will have HIV bumps and not everyone with bumps on their skin has HIV.
About HIV Bumps
HIV can affect the skin in different ways. Some people experience rashes or bumps as an early symptom of the virus, while others may develop skin issues later due to a weakened immune system. These skin infections are often opportunistic infections, meaning they take advantage of weakened immune systems.1
However, it's important to note that not everyone with HIV will have skin symptoms.
Common Skin Conditions in People With HIV or AIDS
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, skin conditions are common in people with HIV and AIDS. Common skin conditions include molluscum contagiosum, herpes outbreaks, Kaposi sarcoma, oral hairy leukoplakia, thrush, photodermatitis, and prurigo nodularis.
Molluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a poxvirus, similar but different from the virus that causes the common skin condition, chicken pox.
It is highly contagious and can be passed from person to person through skin contact, sharing bed sheets, or touching the same things. It presents as pink or flesh-colored bumps and for folks with HIV or AIDS, outbreaks of 100 or more bumps can occur. The bumps are typically harmless but will not go away on their own if you have AIDS. The bumps may be frozen off with liquid nitrogen, destroyed with a laser, or treated with a topical ointment.1
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
Various herpes viruses are frequently seen in individuals with AIDS. Herpes simplex infections lead to sores forming around the mouth or genital area. Herpes zoster, caused by the same virus responsible for chickenpox, can also trigger shingles—a severely painful rash with blisters appearing on one side of the body. Antiviral medications are commonly used to manage herpes infections.1
For more information on testing for herpes, click to read our blog article on the topic. You can even get treated for HSV online.
Kaposi Sarcoma
Kaposi sarcoma is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the blood or lymph vessels. It causes dark spots or lumps on the skin that can be brown, purple, or red. Sometimes, it also makes the skin swell. This cancer can spread to other parts of the body, like the lungs, liver, and stomach, which can make it hard to breathe or cause serious health problems.
Kaposi sarcoma usually happens when the immune system is very weak. It is common in people with AIDS, and if someone with HIV gets this cancer, their diagnosis changes to AIDS. Medicine called antiretroviral therapy has helped lower the number of people who get Kaposi sarcoma and can also help treat it. Doctors may also use radiation, surgery, or chemotherapy to treat the condition.1
Oral Hairy Leukoplakia
Oral hairy leukoplakia is a virus that infects the mouth. It causes thick, white patches on the tongue that look hairy. It is most common in people with AIDS who have very weak immune systems. Oral hairy leukoplakia doesn't need special treatment, but taking medicine for HIV/AIDS can make the immune system stronger and help the infection go away.1
Thrush
Oral candidiasis, or thrush, is a fungal infection that causes a thick white layer to form on the tongue or inside the cheeks. It can be treated with special medicines, lozenges, or mouth rinses. Thrush is common in people with AIDS and can be hard to get rid of because it often comes back. Taking the right HIV medicine can help improve this condition.1
Photodermatitis
This is a skin problem that happens when the skin gets darker after being in the sun. It is more common in people with darker skin, but anyone with HIV can get it. Some medicines for HIV can also cause this as a side effect. The best way to prevent it is by protecting your skin from the sun.1
Prurigo nodularis
This skin condition causes very itchy, crusty lumps to appear on the skin. The itching can be very strong. It is most common in people with weak immune systems and People of Color with HIV/AIDS. Doctors treat it with special creams or lotions and by using HIV medicine to help the immune system.1
Other Possible Causes of Bumps
Just because you have bumps on your skin doesn't mean you have HIV or that they are symptoms of HIV. There are many other possible explanations.
For example, the Cleveland Clinic lists contact dermatitis, poison ivy, eczema, hives, psoriasis, viral conditions, allergens, and irritants as potential causes for the bumps on your skin.2
Skin conditions or rashes can be annoying or unattractive, but often they will be harmless and respond well to treatment.
When to Get Tested
If you are concerned about bumps on your skin, it's helpful to see a healthcare provider, if for nothing else other than peace of mind.
If you are concerned that your bumps could be related to an HIV infection, you should seek care as soon as possible, especially if you could have been exposed to HIV and/or if you also have flu-like symptoms.
Generally speaking, Regular testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is an essential part of taking care of your sexual health and protecting your partner(s). Many STIs can be present without noticeable symptoms, so the only way to know for sure if you have one is through testing. Left untreated, some infections can lead to serious health complications, including infertility, chronic pain, and an increased risk of transmitting or acquiring other infections, including HIV.
In addition to testing, open and honest communication with your partner(s) about STI status, testing history, and protection methods can help ensure a healthier and safer sex life. Using barrier methods, such as condoms and dental dams, getting vaccinated against HPV and hepatitis B, and taking PrEP if at risk for HIV are all steps that contribute to overall sexual well-being.
Conclusion
It's important to mention that if you do have HIV or skin problems associated with HIV, treatments can alleviate symptoms. When you follow a treatment plan as prescribed, HIV can become undetectable and untransmittable to your partner(s).
People with HIV and AIDS can live long and healthy lives with the help of treatment.
If you're interested in getting tested for HIV or other STIs, check out the resources on the Everlywell website, take our symptoms quiz, use our at-home lab tests, and get care from a provider in as little as two hours.
References
- HIV/AIDS and Skin Conditions. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Accessed February 20, 2025. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/hivaids/hiv-infection-and-aids
- Skin rash: Types, symptoms, causes, diagnosis & treatments. Cleveland Clinic. April 23, 2020. Accessed February 20, 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23054-skin-bumps