Secondary syphilis presenting as a lichen planus-like rash

Lichen planus-like rash in a patient with skin of colour

In this report, we describe a lichen planus-like eruption in a 30-year-old woman with dark skin and with HIV infection. The case of this patient adds to the existing body of literature on clinical presentations of skin findings in individuals with skin of colour, emphasizing the need for dermatologists to be vigilant and well-informed in their diagnostic approach in this patient population.

Annular lichenoid syphilis: A rare entity

Syphilis is a disease known for centuries, but still continues to be a diagnostic challenge as the myriad manifestations of secondary syphilis can mimic a lot many dermatological disorders. Lichenoid syphilis is an uncommon entity, reported only occasionally in the penicillin era. We present the case of a 32-year-old woman presenting with localized annular lichenoid lesions on the neck.

Syphilis mimicking other dermatological diseases: reactive arthritis and mucha-habermann disease

The authors present two cases of syphilis: one mimicking reactive arthritis and the other Mucha-Habermann disease. Both reports illustrate syphilis as ‘the great imitator’, a description given by Sir William Osler, and call attention to the strong need for awareness among physicians of all specialties, especially the younger ones, who are not used to seeing this increasingly prevalent disease, as it once was in the past.

A case of palmoplantar lichen planus mimicking secondary syphilis

Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects skin, mucous membranes, hairs, and nails. According to the site of involvement, lichen planus can be subdivided into palmoplantar, mucosal, nail, or scalp types. Palmoplantar lichen planus is a rare subtype of lichen planus which may create difficulty in diagnosis, as the lesion is limited to the palms and soles. We report a case of a 37-year-old male with lichen planus who presented with multiple erythematous, scaly, hyperkeratotic papules on his palms and soles mimicking secondary syphilis.

Syphilis: An update

Syphilis can be spread during the practice of dentistry by direct contact with mucosal lesions of primary and secondary syphilis or blood and saliva from infected patients. The dentist also can play an important role in the control of syphilis by identification of the signs and symptoms of syphilis, patient education, and referral. The incidence of syphilis and the impact of control measures are presented with the emphasis on the past 5 years. The signs and symptoms of primary, secondary, latent, and late (tertiary) syphilis are reviewed. Current medical treatment is presented. The oral manifestations of syphilis are discussed as well as the dental management of the infected patient.