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Expert: Terry B - 7/12/2006


Question
is freckles on the neck a sign or symptom of hiv, its the same size as the ones on the face.

Answer
Hi, and thanks for your question.  

Freckles on the neck are usually a result of production of skin pigments, often triggered by exposure to sunlight in light-skinned people.  The presence of freckles is not an indication of HIV positivity (being infected with HIV); the only way to be sure of a person't HIV status is through testing.  

A counseling and testing site for HIV should be available in your local area, see your local phone directory.  Please note that "Anonymous" HIV testing protects your identity - your results are not associated with your name.  "Confidential" testing - the kind usually associated with your health care provider, limits the people who can access your HIV status to those directly involved with your care.

There are a number of myths about how one can "tell" if another person is infected with HIV - bottom line, positive HIV test results are the only reliable indicator.

Hope this is helpful.

Terry

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Terry B

Expertise

Help in assessing personal and professional risk of HIV transmission; tips in teaching about HIV/AIDS; cultural competency for teaching about HIV/AIDS in Catholic settings; considerations in US and overseas HIV/AIDS programs and education for health and other professionals. Specific questions about treatment should be referred to your health provider; opinions and information offered are not meant to replace medical advice

Experience

Seven years with academic medical center and national AIDS education and training center, seven subsequent years with focus on international HIV/AIDS in East and South Africa. Former clinician, bioethics preceptor at an academic medical center and presenter in wide range of fora including international AIDS conference.

Organizations
Disabled American Veterans American Public Health Association MENSA AA

Publications
Human Variety, EC Sociological Society Proceedings of the International AIDS Conference, Durban, South Africa "HIV and Primary Care"

Education/Credentials
BS Psychology MPH Master of Public Health PhD studies underway

Awards and Honors
Naval School of Health Sciences, Hospital Corps with Highest Honors, Neuropsychiatry with Honors and High Distinction

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