The great imitator revisited: the spectrum of atypical cutaneous manifestations of secondary syphilis
- 14 October 2014
- journal article
- review article
- Published by Wiley in International Journal of Dermatology
- Vol. 53 (12), 1434-1441
- https://doi.org/10.1111/ijd.12518
Abstract
Syphilis is a well-known sexually transmitted infection infamous for its protean cutaneous manifestations. Over the last decade, the rate of infection in the USA has risen, particularly among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals and certain ethnic groups. Although the primary chancre developing at the site of inoculation usually has typical and well-characterized features, cutaneous manifestations of secondary syphilis span a wide spectrum and mimic those of other dermatoses. This may be particularly evident in patients with HIV. Such deviations from the expected typical papulosquamous eruption may present a diagnostic challenge and delay diagnosis and therapy. Given the increasing incidence of syphilis among the immunosuppressed patient population, recognition of atypical cutaneous manifestations is critical for adequate management. We review a range of cutaneous manifestations of secondary syphilis and the skin diseases it may mimic.Keywords
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