Skin disorders affecting human immunodeficiency virus-infected children living in an orphanage in Ethiopia

doi:10.1111/j.1365-2230.2011.04202.x Summary Background. Skin disorders are common in children in Ethiopia, and it is estimated that 92 000 Ethiopian children are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV infection increases the prevalence of cutaneous disease, but the effect of antiretroviral therapy (ART) on the pattern of skin disease affecting children in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is unclear. Aim. To assess the prevalence and nature of skin disorders in HIV-infected children living in a dedicated orphanage in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods. Two dermatologists performed a clinical examination, including the skin, hair, nails and oral cavity of all the residents of an orphanage in Addis Ababa. The examiners knew that all the children were infected with HIV, but did not know their treatment or immune status. Diagnoses were made clinically and recorded anony-mously, and treatment recommendations were made. Details of the children’s treatment and CD4 lymphocyte counts were obtained after the examination had been completed. Results. In total, 84 children [53 male (63%); 31 female (37%); median ag