The rash caused by HIV can present differently at different points in time. The first stage is the acute phase of the rash, also known as the initial symptom rash. The acute phase, also known as the window phase rash, is about 2-3 weeks of exposure to the virus, usually up to three months, and is characterized by red bumps, which can be large or small and are more frequent on the face, neck, chest and back, and may extend to the whole body in severe cases. The acute phase of the rash is not painful or itchy for most patients, and does not require treatment or topical medication; the rash will disappear on its own and will not be symptomatic for a long time longer.