Cutaneous manifestations of syphilis

Syphilis is a venereal (sexually transmitted) infectious disease caused by pale treponema, which is manifested by characteristic skin manifestations. However, skin rashes with syphilis are just the basis for referring the patient to a special laboratory examination, and the final clinical diagnosis is established when a positive result of Wasserman's reaction is obtained. In our article, we will try to describe in detail the cutaneous manifestations of syphilis.

How does primary syphilis manifest on the skin?

The first manifestations of syphilis on the skin appear after 25-40 days after infection at the site of infection. Most often, these are the genitalia, the anus, the mucous membrane of the oral cavity. The first sign of cutaneous syphilis is called hard chancre, there may be several. It resembles a trophic ulcer, has rounded edges and a shiny bottom, chancre sizes from 0.5 to 2 cm in diameter. This formation is painless, does not increase and does not bleed. A few days later, along with primary syphilis, lymph nodes (regional lymphadenitis) increase. After 2-3 weeks, the scar remains in place of the hard chancre.

Rashes on the skin - secondary syphilis

Signs of secondary syphilis on the skin look like a generalized rash that is localized on the chest, back, upper and lower extremities. The appearance of the rash is due to the toxic effect of pale treponema on the vessels of the third layer of skin. Such a rash can have the appearance of spots, bubbles with serous or dark red contents. The contents of these vesicles contain pale treponemia. In the absence of treatment, syphilis can pass into the most severe - the third stage, which is characterized by the defeat of internal organs.

Thus, the characteristic changes on the skin and the corresponding anamnesis (erratic, unprotected sex) should encourage the woman to be screened for syphilis.