Lepromatous nodular syphilis: A case from Italy

Pipitò, Luca; Trizzino, Marcello; Orlando, Elisabetta; Calà, Cinzia

doi:10.1016/j.tmaid.2023.102564

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

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“…It is no coincidence that syphilis is historically defined as "the great imitator". Secondary syphilis can involve any organ, and skin localizations can mimic numerous dermatologic and infectious diseases [ 2 , 3 ]. Primary lesions, usually asymptomatic and self-healing, may go unnoticed, and not infrequently, clinicians can be deceived by the presence of skin rash.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An Uncommon Case of Syphilis With Simultaneous, Different Lesions: Moth-Eaten Alopecia, Syphilitic Keratoderma, and Psoriasiform Syphilis

Pipitò,

Piccione,

Trizzino

et al. 2023

Cureus

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Syphilis is a re-emerging disease, and an increasing number of cases are being reported in Italy and worldwide. In this report, we present a case of a male patient with secondary syphilis characterized by the heterogenicity of the lesions: hyperkeratosis, psoriasiform-like lesions, papules, macules, and patchy alopecia on the scalp. The patient had applied several topical antimicrobials and steroid medicaments and taken oral acyclovir, which yielded no relief, for a previous wrong diagnosis. At the time of his presentation to our clinic, syphilis was suspected and confirmed by serology. The administration of a single intramuscular dose of penicillin led to a full recovery in three weeks. Screening for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections returned negative. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for syphilis when encountering sexually active patients with atypical skin manifestations.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%