Pediatric human immunodeficiency virus infection and its cutaneous manifestations.

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome was first observed in children in 1982. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is now known to be the etiologic agent of this disease complex. Children acquire the viral infection in utero or perinatally, or by receiving contaminated blood products. The cutaneous manifestations include persistent oral thrush, herpes simplex, herpes zoster, molluscum contagiosum, and a variety of fungal and bacterial skin infections. Vasculitis, unusual drug eruptions, and cutaneous manifestations of nutritional deficiencies are also seen.