Secondary Syphilis Symptoms: Rash, Warts, and More
Secondary syphilis occurs 2–8 weeks after primary chancre, lasting 2–6 weeks (may recur). Systemic dissemination of Treponema pallidum causes:
Mucocutaneous
- Rash: Non-pruritic, copper-red macules/papules on trunk, palms, soles (palmoplantar involvement characteristic).
- Condylomata lata: Broad, moist, infectious papules in warm folds (genital, perianal, axillae).
- Mucous patches: Snail-track ulcers in mouth, genitalia.
- Alopecia: "Moth-eaten" scalp/beard loss.
Systemic
- Fever, malaise, headache, myalgia, arthralgia
- Generalized lymphadenopathy (non-tender, rubbery)
- Sore throat, weight loss
Rare
- Neurosyphilis (meningitis, cranial nerve palsies)
- Ocular (uveitis, retinitis)
- Hepatic (hepatitis), renal (glomerulonephritis), gastric
Highly infectious stage. Penicillin G benzathine 2.4 MU IM single dose cures. Follow-up serology essential.
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