In 1994, the first and only HIV dermatology clinic was established at the Skin & Cancer Foundation Australia by Dr Margot Whitfeld. Dr Whitfeld runs a very active unit and is currently exploring the changing profile of skin diseases associated with HIV and AIDS following the introduction of more potent therapy.
In conjunction with the HIV unit, surgery and oncology units at St Vincent's Hospital, Dr Margot Whitfeld and Dr Asoka Herat are reviewing the data on anal and perianal cancer, and its treatment outcomes.
As part of a conjoint investigation with the dermatology and microbiology departments at St Vincent’s Hospital, Dr Whitfeld is also examining the role of bacteria in the pustular forms of rosacea, in both the HIV positive and HIV negative populations.
Around 90% of HIV infected patients develop skin diseases at some stage. These include common infections such as bacteria, fungi, virus or yeast and less common rashes and skin cancer due to reactions to the medications used to treat HIV patients.
Further information can be found on the following link for HIV skin conditions.