We are reporting an unusual case of secondary syphilis, in a homosexual male patient, which resembled borderline lepromatous leprosy, and in whom the diagnosis was considered on clinical grounds. The patient also had concomitant HIV infection, with asymptomatic neurosyphilis. His rapid plasma reagin test was reactive in 1:128 dilution. He improved with three standard, weekly injections of benzathine penicillin, along with 2 g of intravenous ceftriaxone daily for 15 days. This case is being reported to highlight the need for a high index of suspicion in diagnosing unusual cases of secondary syphilis, especially in those with concomitant HIV infection.

Imatinib mesylate is a selective tyrosinase kinase inhibitor which has revolutionized the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia. It is also used in gastrointestinal stromal tumors and dermatofibrosarcoma protruberans. Cutaneous adverse reactions are the most common nonhematological side effects secondary to imatinib. Nonlichenoid reactions are common, while lichenoid reactions are rare. We report a case of lichenoid drug eruption due to imatinib. As the indications and use of imatinib are increasing, the incidences of adverse effects, including cutaneous ones, are likely to increase. Some of the reactions may be severe enough to warrant discontinuation of the drug. The physicians should be aware of this morphological entity, which is usually benign and does not warrant withdrawal of the drug.

BACKGROUND: Physiological skin changes are common during pregnancy in addition to cutaneous disease specific to pregnancy. Dermatoses specific to pregnancy are important to recognize because they are intensely pruritic or painful to mother and may pose significant risk to patients, her fetus or both. AIM: To study the dermatological diseases in pregnancy. SETTINGS & DESIGN: Study was undertaken on pregnant women who visited the dermatology OPD of the Christian medical college and Hospital, Ludhiana. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Screening for cutaneous disorders was undertaken in two hundred pregnant women attending the dermatology OPD in Christian medical college and hospital. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Was done by using SPSS version. RESULTS: Pruritus was present in 61.5% patients. Specific pregnancy dermatoses were seen in 33% and included prurigo gestationis, pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPP) and pruritus gravidarum. Sexually transmitted diseases accounted for 10.5%; condyloma accuminatum was the commonest STD. Commonest dermatological disorder observed was eczema with 10.5% of cases. CONCLUSION: Pregnant women are prone to suffer from a wide range of dermatological and sexually transmitted diseases. Some of these are distressing to mother, others may associated with significant fetal risk.