Syphilis: A great imitator

Primary Syphilis of the Oral Cavity, a Rare Presentation of a Re-Emerging Disease

“…The different stages of syphilis are characterized by a number of notable signs and symptoms [1][2][3][4]. Primary syphilis is the first stage, with an incubation period of about 90 days after sexual contraction of T. pallidum [1][2][3][4]. It is characterized by the formation of chancres at the area of inoculation.…”

“…It is characterized by the formation of chancres at the area of inoculation. Typically, these chancres are painless, well-encircled, indurated ulcers characterized by raised borders [1][2][3][4]. Chancres can vary significantly in clinical manifestation [1].…”

“…Typically, these chancres are painless, well-encircled, indurated ulcers characterized by raised borders [1][2][3][4]. Chancres can vary significantly in clinical manifestation [1]. This variation, in addition to the painless nature of the lesions, may explain why about two-fifths of patients are not diagnosed at the primary stage.…”

Annular Vesiculopustular Syphilis

“…A wide variety of clinical forms have been described, such as macular, papular, maculopapular, papulosquamous, lichenoid, nodular, and pustular. Pustules are an extremely rare manifestation of syphilis, accounting for < 2% of all secondary syphilis cases, and its diagnosis is challenging 2,3 . Pustular lesions generally affect people in poor health and malnutrition, and coinfection with HIV is common 4 …”

An unusual case of secondary syphilis misdiagnosed as allergic dermatitis for 2 years

“…Syphilis has multiple clinically active phases with intervening latency periods. This disease earned the name of “The great imitator” for its varied clinical manifestations 4 …”