The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic continues to spread and evolve on a worldwide basis. Currently more than five million patients in South Africa are living with HIV/AIDS. Cutaneous and mucosal complications eventually occur in nearly all individuals with HIV infection, and can be debilitating, disfiguring, and life-threatening. Their incidence increases with deteriorating immune function. Familiarity with cutaneous disease patterns in this population enables early diagnosis and institution of correct treatment, detection of unrecognised HIV infection or progression to the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and, counselling and prevention of further transmission. Knowledge of the skin and mucosal signs of HIV/AIDS is important.