HIV/AIDS is an immune deficiency arising from HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection. When infected, HIV starts destroying immune cells until the body’s immune capability is so severely depleted that it can no longer protect the body. This stage is known as AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). Other infections known as opportunistic infections are able to attack the host and cause death. These potentially deadly opportunistic infections can be as mild as the seasonal flu (influenza) or more severe infections like TB (tuberculosis) or meningitis.
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition resulting in persistent itching with inflammation of the outer lying layers of the skin. It is common in those with an allergic constitution and is often seen in conjunction with conditions like hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and asthma. Atopic dermatitis is commonly known as eczema, particularly infantile eczema when it occurs in children. However eczema describes a wide range of inflammatory conditions and is synonymous with the term dermatitis.
Contact dermatitis is a skin rash that occurs due to contact with irritants or chemicals. This skin condition may be short term (acute) or long term (chronic) and is often referred to as ‘chemical rash’ or ‘housewife’s eczema’. Usually clearly evident patches occurs on the area of the body that makes contact with the irritant or chemical that causes the rash.
In contact dermatitis, the skin inflammation may occur as a result of irritation to the skin or as an allergic response to the chemical.
Exfoliative dermatitis is also known as a peeling skin disease due to the severe scaling of the skin and extreme skin redness. The cause of exfoliative dermatitis is unknown although it may be linked to certain infections, drugs or related to other skin diseases. Exfoliative dermatitis should be differentiated from seborrheic dermatitis which often appears the same but seborrheic dermatitis usually affects the scalp, face and bottom in babies (nappy rash). Unlike many skin conditions, exfoliative dermatitis is a serious condition that can be fatal.