Sexually transmitted infections and HIV

This course is divided into three detailed units, each addressing key sexually transmitted infections and HIV-related skin conditions.

Unit 1: HPV and HSV
The first unit focuses on Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). It explores the clinical presentation of HPV-related conditions like condyloma acuminata (genital warts) and the diagnosis and treatment of genital herpes. Various treatment options, including cryotherapy, topical agents, and antiviral medications, are discussed. The unit highlights the importance of recognising both typical and severe cases of these common STIs.

Unit 2: Syphilis, Chancroid, and Gonorrhoea
This unit covers the diagnosis and treatment of bacterial STIs, including syphilis, chancroid, and gonorrhoea. Clinical cases illustrate the different stages of syphilis, from primary chancres to secondary rashes, and the need for prompt treatment with penicillin. The unit also explains how to identify and treat chancroid and gonorrhoea, with a focus on effective diagnostic methods such as serology and culture tests.

Unit 3: HIV-Related Skin Conditions
The final unit examines HIV-related skin conditions, from common issues like seborrheic dermatitis to more severe infections such as Kaposi's sarcoma and crusted scabies. The course delves into opportunistic infections and the cutaneous manifestations associated with HIV, discussing how the immune system’s suppression affects skin conditions. The importance of managing both HIV and associated skin conditions is emphasised​.

This course equips healthcare professionals with essential skills to diagnose, treat, and manage a variety of STIs and HIV-related conditions, improving patient outcomes and promoting best practices in sexual health care.