Diagnosis and therapy for common sexually transmitted diseases.

During the past decade, as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has appeared, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) have resurged to epidemic proportions, and STDs have been shown to facilitate transmission of HIV, the diagnosis and treatment of STDs have increased in importance for all clinicians. This article's recommendations for treatment of STDs that might more commonly be seen in a dermatology practice are based on the 1989 Sexually Transmitted Disease Treatment Guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control. Clinicians are encouraged to address actively prevention and treatment of sexual partners, a very important part of the management of STDs.