My HIV-positive niece does not want to go to school
Nov 25, 2007
Dear Doctor, <br>My niece is HIV-positive and has developed a bad rash on the face and the growths also called Ensuundo (warts), in my local language. They are almost blocking one of her eyes. What can we do now because she does not want to go to school as other children tease her?
Dear Doctor,
My niece is HIV-positive and has developed a bad rash on the face and the growths also called Ensuundo (warts), in my local language. They are almost blocking one of her eyes. What can we do now because she does not want to go to school as other children tease her?
Florence
Dear Florence,
What you describe is called Molluscum Contagiosum in medical terms. It is caused by a virus and appears in clusters, which are smooth and waxy, commonly on the face, but can occur anywhere on the body except on the palms and soles of feet.
Most of these swellings normally disappear in six to nine months and treatment is usually for cosmetic reasons because as you rightly mention they disfigure the face. Some doctors remove them physically, a process known as curettage or by applying chemicals, which can make them disappear.
However, since this child has HIV and is immune suppressed, the rash may not respond well to the above-mentioned treatments. She should be assessed and be put on ARVs. As the child’s immunity improves, the rash and any other opportunistic infections will then easily respond to treatment and eventually disappear.
Lastly, all people who are looking after children whose parents are known or suspected to have died due to HIV/AIDS should make sure these children are tested for HIV. Do not wait until they develop symptoms by which time it may be too late to help them.
HIV in children can now be diagnosed as early as the first month after delivery. There is, therefore, no need to wait until children are one and a half years old as was the practice in the past.
Send your question on HIV to Health Editor, The New Vision. P. O. Box 9815, Kampala OR health&beauty@newvision.co.ug
My niece is HIV-positive and has developed a bad rash on the face and the growths also called Ensuundo (warts), in my local language. They are almost blocking one of her eyes. What can we do now because she does not want to go to school as other children tease her?
Florence
Dear Florence,
What you describe is called Molluscum Contagiosum in medical terms. It is caused by a virus and appears in clusters, which are smooth and waxy, commonly on the face, but can occur anywhere on the body except on the palms and soles of feet.
Most of these swellings normally disappear in six to nine months and treatment is usually for cosmetic reasons because as you rightly mention they disfigure the face. Some doctors remove them physically, a process known as curettage or by applying chemicals, which can make them disappear.
However, since this child has HIV and is immune suppressed, the rash may not respond well to the above-mentioned treatments. She should be assessed and be put on ARVs. As the child’s immunity improves, the rash and any other opportunistic infections will then easily respond to treatment and eventually disappear.
Lastly, all people who are looking after children whose parents are known or suspected to have died due to HIV/AIDS should make sure these children are tested for HIV. Do not wait until they develop symptoms by which time it may be too late to help them.
HIV in children can now be diagnosed as early as the first month after delivery. There is, therefore, no need to wait until children are one and a half years old as was the practice in the past.
Send your question on HIV to Health Editor, The New Vision. P. O. Box 9815, Kampala OR health&beauty@newvision.co.ug