Disorders of the skin and mucous membranes, including various infections, Kaposi's sarcoma, and miscellaneous conditions, occur throughout the course of HIV infection, affecting more than 90% of patients at some time. These lesions are often the first manifestations of symptomatic HIV disease. Clinicians need to be aware of these diagnoses and the order of their appearance since correct interpretation is essential for counselling patients about the progression of their illness and for initiating appropriate therapy.