PAPULAR PRURITIC ERUPTION

The phrase "papular pruritic eruption" defines an itchy, persistent or chronic
recurrent rash which is found in HIV-infected patients and for which
no other cause (e.g. urticaria, scabies, folliculitis etc.) can be found.
There are usually widespread inflammatory papules, hyperpigmented
scars and scratch marks. The patient may or may not show other signs of
HIV-infection.
Management of papular pruritic eruption
Treatment is symptomatic, any of the options below may be tried:
- Calamine lotion, phenol zinc lotion, menthol 0,5% cream or lotion or
phenol 1% + menthol 0.5% preparation.
- Antihistamines e.g. promethazine 25 mg nightly or chlorpheniramine 4 mg
2 or 3 times daily.
- Betadine scrub in case of infected lesions.
- Hydrocortisone or betamethasone cream once to twice daily.
- Dapsone 100 mg once daily may be tried in severe cases.