All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors.
However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through links in this article.
This attack can also wreak havoc on ones hair, skin, and nails.
Bella Geraci
Thanks to clinical research and medical breakthroughs, HIV has become highly manageable.
How does HIV treatment work?
How can HIV medication affect hair?
However, results were too inconclusive to definitely confirm hair loss as a side effect.
Fortunately, it’s been generally accepted that newer antiretrovirals are less likely to cause hairs loss.
“Newer antiretroviral therapies are less likely to lead to hair loss.”
This causes hair to thin and possibly fall out after a couple months.
“However, these are generally self-limiting.”
Miller says patients who see early hair loss might want to opt formild shampoosand conditioners.
This means no irritants, such as fragrance, and clarifying shampoos should be avoided.
To keep things easy, Miller recommends drugstore-favoriteFree & Clear.
Skin rashesare a common possible side effect in many medications used in antiretroviral therapy.
“These rashes should be examined by your doctor to determine the underlying cause,” Dr. Miller says.
This means avoiding irritants such as fragrance, alcohols, and any chemical or physical exfoliants.
“Overall I advise my HIV patients to stick with simple, [simple] skincare.”
CLn Skincare
BodyWash
How can HIV medications affect nails?
Changes in the nails can also be a side effect of the medications used in ART.
However, you should still visit a dermatologist to identify the underlying cause for the pigment discoloration.
He also recommends using nail treatments such asOlive & June Nail Strengthenerto treat brittle, thin nails.
No matter what medications are needed, the only way to receive them is to get tested.
you could ask your healthcare provider for an HIV test or visitgettest.cdc.govto find a testing site near you.
Read more health and wellness stories:
Now, watch a dermatologist explain hand filler:
