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Do you recognize this asymptomatic lesion that had been present for about a week?

Are these tender, vesicular erythematous lesions symptomatic of HIV/AIDS? Of Ramsay Hunt syndrome? Of herpes simplex or varicella-zoster virus? What's your diagnosis?

This patient has had unprotected sexual intercourse with numerous partners, which increases the likelihood of acquiring a sexually transmitted infection – including HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and syphilis.

Are these tender, vesicular erythematous lesions symptomatic of HIV/AIDS? Of Ramsay Hunt syndrome? Of Herpes simplex or varicella-zoster virus infection?

Dike Drummond, MD, is an expert in stress management and burnout prevention for physicians. He is a high-energy speaker, trainer, and consultant on how to create physician engagement, healthy life balance, and a physician-friendly workplace. He is CEO of TheHappyMD.com, where his newsletter reaches doctors in 63 countries around the world. Dr Drummond is the creator of the Burnout Prevention Video Training Series and the 1 Minute Mindfulness Program for Physicians.

In the current milieu, the clinician should assume that MRSA is responsible for furuncles, until culture proves otherwise. Incision and drainage is the most important part of therapy, but oral antibiotics should be considered in large lesions, very young or very old patients, and when cellulitis surrounds the boil.

(AUDIO) Antiviral drugs have reduced intrauterine transmission of HIV dramatically. But what are the effects on the pregnancy itself? Here an infectious diseases expert discusses the risks and the benefits.