Sexually transmitted infections

Condylomata acuminata this extensive are beyond the capacity of all topical therapies. The area was initially treated by carbon dioxide laser ablation, and residual small foci of infection were subsequently treated with topical 5% imiquimod cream.

The combination of itching massive scaling suggests the diagnosis of crusted scabies. This variety of scabies is seen in those who are immunosuppressed or immunocompromised (typically HIV+). Repeated oral doses of ivermectin along with topical permethrin application were required to clear this infestation.

This teen sought care because of extremely pruritic nodules on the penis and scrotum. He also had mild itching on the wrists and between several finger webs. This distribution of a pruritic dermatosis is classic for scabies.

The patient received standard acyclovir dosage for first outbreak genital herpes: 200 mg orally, 5 times daily, for 10 days total. At this point, there is no way to predict how often or how severe future recurrences will be.

This painless, indurated ulcer is typical of the chancre of primary syphilis. This patient also had a positive RPR in a titer of 1:32.

Any adult with patchy hair loss with preservation of follicular openings should be questioned about sexual exposures. This presentation is not typical of alopecia areata, and the patient is too old for tinea capitis to be a major consideration.

Chlamydia trachomatis, serovar L2b-a recently discovered microbe-was the cause of atypical lymphogranuloma venereum in this HIV-positive patient.

The patient was a traveling salesman and was concerned that the lesions were bedbug bites. The diagnosis of herpes simplex virus infection was confirmed by viral “culture.” What was this patient's condition?

Herpes zoster is a reactivation of an infection with the varicella zoster virus, manifests as painful vesicular rash.

Grouped vesicles filled with straw colored liquid on an inflamed base that are accompanied by complaints of a tingling sensation and then pain are classic signs and symptoms of a herpes outbreak.

Age-based screening recommendations for chronic hepatitis C virus infection targeted to Americans born between 1945 and 1965 were announced by the CDC.

Syphilis is often called the "great imitator." The slides that follow show syphilis in various guises-and various disorders that can mimic the cutaneous manifestations of the sexually transmitted infection.

Did you know: The hepatitis B virus is the only human virus that is routinely tested for by measuring a marker, or “footprint,” of the virus in the blood? Here, an explanation for this and 4 more things you need to know about HBV.

A 31-year-old woman presents for evaluation of an asymptomatic, firm plaque on the forehead. Lesions of similar size and consistency were present at the nape of the neck and on the chest.

A 32-year-old woman presents with recurrent episodes of lip swelling associated with massive, painful blister formation and crusting.

What exactly are the new guidelines for vaccinating boys against HPV infection-and why is this development good news for both men and women?

Presidential candidate Michelle Bachmann recently made the unsubstantiated comment on national TV that the HPV vaccine has “very serious consequences” and that it can cause mental retardation.

Minnesota Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann recently caught the attention of a lot of people when, during a television interview following a Presidential debate, she claimed that the HPV vaccine has “very significant consequences.”

A 22-year-old woman presented to her primary care physician’s office with right lower quadrant and suprapubic abdominal pain. She stated that the pain had begun earlier that day; she had no symptoms on awakening that morning.

What are the most significant health risks associated with tattoos?

These asymptomatic bumps that developed on the groin area of a 16-year-old girl after her first sexual exposure are molluscum contagiosum. Central umbiliication distinguishes these lesions from warts.

For several weeks, a 33-year-old man has had an asymptomatic lesion on the head of the penis. He has had a new sex partner in the past few months but is unaware of any health problems she may have. What is the likely cause of this lesion?

The Fifth International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment, and Prevention (IAS 2009) was held in Cape Town, South Africa, from July 19 to 22, 2009. More than 5500 delegates from more than 100 countries attended this annual event.

No matter what primary care demographic your practice represents, it would be most unusual not to encounter patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Since HCV infection is chronic and can lead to cirrhosis (occurring in 20% of patients over a period of 10 to 20 years), decisions regarding its management, referral, and follow-up are of the utmost importance.