Human Herpes Virus 8 (HHV 8) is a human gamma herpes virus with cutaneous manifestations that I occasionally encounter in my The Woodlands dermatology and Conroe dermatology clinics. HHV-8 is most commonly found in homosexual men as 20-30% are seropositive for this virus, whereas only 1% of the general population is infected with this virus. HHV-8 can be transmitted through sexual contact and is a blood borne pathogen. As HHV 8 can cause spindle cell proliferation and angiogenesis, it is responsible for the development of tumors. It has been linked to all forms of Kaposi’s Sarcoma, a vascular tumor that can occur in the skin or internal organs. Multicentric Castleman’s Disease can also be caused by HHV 8, which is a lymphoproliferative disease seen in HIV positive patients. Additionally, Primary Effusion Lymphoma has been attributed to HHV 8, which is a Non-Hodgkins Disease Lymphoma that causes fluid build up in the body cavities.
November 10, 2010
Medically reviewed by Anthony J. Perri, M.D.
You May Also Like
Request a Consultation (Sidebar)
Recent Posts
Categories
- Uncategorized (568)
Tags
acne (5)
acne treatment (2)
acne vulgaris (2)
biopsy (2)
Coldsores (1)
cold urticaria (1)
common skin conditions (11)
dermatologist (12)
dermatology (3)
dr. perri (8)
eczema (2)
filiform (1)
flat (1)
health (1)
Herpes (1)
herpessimplex (1)
hives (2)
indentification (1)
keratosis pilaris (1)
moles (2)
periungual (1)
perri dermatology (10)
plane (1)
plantar (1)
prevention (2)
rashes (2)
rosacea (3)
rosacea therapy (2)
seborrheic keratoses (1)
skin cancer (3)
skin care (1)
skin checks (7)
skin condition (6)
skin conditions (8)
skin damage (2)
skin exam (6)
skin therapy (1)
summertime (3)
sunburn (3)
sunburns (2)
sunscreen (2)
virus (1)
warts (2)
why perri dermatology (3)
woodlands dermatologist (6)