Atypical Cutaneous Manifestations in Syphilis

Abstract

Although the diversity of the clinical manifestations of syphilis is well-known, atypical presentations can also occur. Such atypical presentations are associated with a high risk of transmission as a result of diagnostic confusion and treatment delays owing to the disease's ability to mimic other common skin diseases, deviate from classic clinical presentations, and adopt unique forms. Cases of atypical syphilis have been described most frequently in patients with concomitant human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Because the incidence of syphilis has been growing over recent years -particularly in patients with HIV co-infection- dermatologists need to be familiar with the less well-known clinical presentations of this venereal disease.

Keywords: Atypical cutaneous manifestations; Enfermedades de transmisión sexual; Human inmunodeficiency virus; Manifestaciones cutáneas atípicas; Sexually transmitted diseases; Syphilis; Sífilis; Virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana.