Penile annular secondary syphilis mimicking annular lichen planus

Abstract

Penile annular secondary syphilis mimicking annular lichen planusDear Editor, Annular secondary syphilis is caused by Treponema Pallidum, which rarely occurs in the genital region. 1 We herein describe a case of annular secondary syphilis mimicking annular lichen planus with nonspecific location and histologic hallmarks.A 32-year-old Vietnamese male visited our hospital with annular lesions on the penile shaft. He had a history of oralgenital contact with an anonymous male 3 months prior to presentation. He denied any personal history of sexually transmitted diseases. Physical examination revealed annular erythematous plaques with well-defined, scaly borders on the

A case of secondary syphilis misdiagnosed as psoriasis vulgaris: Discover the real cause beyond the surface with reflection confocal microscopy and leave the great imitator nowhere to hide

“…Secondary syphilis skin manifestations vary but commonly include macules, maculopapular rash, papules and plaques. 1 Lesions can be generalized or confined, and they can mimic the lesions of many diseases, such as pityriasis rosea, 2 verruca vulgaris, 3 annular lichen planus, 4 which are referred to as the Great Imitator or Great Mimicker. 5 A syphilis diagnosis is often based on a suggestive clinical history and supportive laboratory 6 (that is, serodiagnosis) tests, especially, secondary syphilis often causes rash on palms and soles.…”