Abstract
Several countries experience a new epidemic of syphilis, mainly due to the changes in risk behaviors. Dermatologists play an important role in the diagnosis, since cutaneous manifestations are frequent during disease progression. We report a rare case of secondary syphilis with periungual involvement. Syphilis, especially in the secondary form, may present with different clinical features, affecting different organs, and mimicking many diseases. Although nail apparatus lesions are more common in the primary form of the disease, they may also be present in the secondary and tertiary forms. Therefore, a comprehensive knowledge of the diverse forms of syphilis presentation is important for an early diagnosis and timely treatment.
References
1.
Baughn RE, Musher DM: Secondary syphilitic lesions. Clin Microbiol Rev 2005;18:205-216.
2.
Avelleira JCR, Bottino G: Syphilis: diagnosis, treatment and control. An Bras Dermatol 2006;81:111-126.
3.
Zetola NM, Klausner JD: Syphilis and HIV infection: an update. Clin Infect Dis 2007;44:1222-1228.
4.
Furlan FC, Oliveira AP, Yoshioka MC, Enokihara MM, Michalany NS, Porro AM: Leukocytoclastic vasculitis: another condition that mimics syphilis. An Bras Dermatol 2010;85:676-679.
5.
Bissessor M, Chen M: Syphilis, the great mimicker, is back. Aust Fam Physician 2009;38:384-387.
6.
Patton ME, Su JR, Nelson R, Weinstock H: Primary and secondary syphilis - United States, 2005-2013. Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2014;63:402-406.
7.
Hay RJ, Baran R: Fungal (onychomycosis) and other infections involving the nail apparatus; in Baran R, Dawber RPR, de Berker DAR, et al (eds): Nail Diseases and Their Management. 4 ed. Oxford, Blackwell Scientific, 2012, pp 242-244.
8.
Ramoni S, Cusini M, Boneschi V, Galloni C, Marchetti S: Primary syphilis of the finger. Sex Transm Dis 2010;37:468.
9.
Starzycki Z: Primary syphilis of the fingers. Br J Vener Dis 1983;59:169-171.
10.
Kompanje EJ: Primary syphilitic chancres on arms, fingers and hands: more common than reported. Int J STD AIDS 2013;24:505.
11.
Oh IY, Kim H, Park KY, Li K, Kim BJ, Seo SJ, Kim MN, Hong CK: A case of syphilis with nail dystrophy. Korean J Dermatol 2012;50:628-631.
12.
Kingsbury DH, Chester EC Jr, Jansen GT: Syphilitic paronychia: an unusual complaint. Arch Dermatol 1972;105:458.
13.
Streit E, Hartschuh W, Flux K: Solitary lesion on finger. Primary syphilitic lesion on finger. Acta Derm Venereol 2013;93:251-252.
© 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel
2016
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.
