Primary HIV infection presenting with Jessner Lymphocytic infiltration of the skin

HIV diagnosis can be missed due to the lack of specific signs and symptoms during the primary HIV infection period. Diagnosis of HIV during the primary infection period depends on the clinician considering HIV infection in the differential diagnosis and inquiring about a history of risky sexual contact. A 31-year-old man presented with a 1-month history of redness under his right earlobe. On physical examination, he found an asymptomatic erythematous plaque approximately 4 × 4 cm, raised above the mandibular joint beneath his right earlobe. A biopsy was taken of the erythematous plaque, and an HIV test was requested because the patient had unprotected sexual intercourse with a man 4 months prior. The histopathology of the biopsy specimen was consistent with Jessner lymphocytic infiltration of the skin (JLIS), and the HIV test was also positive. This case is presented because it is the first case of primary HIV infection presenting with JLIS.