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. 2017 Jan;2(3-4):116-119.
doi: 10.1159/000449418. Epub 2016 Sep 21.

Periungual Lesion due to Secondary Syphilis

Leandro Noriega  1 , Nilton Gioia Di Chiacchio  1 , Flávia Cury Rezende  2 , Nilton Di Chiacchio  1
Affiliations

Periungual Lesion due to Secondary Syphilis

Leandro Noriega et al. Skin Appendage Disord. 2017 Jan.

Abstract

Several countries experience a new epidemic of syphilis, mainly due to the changes in risk behaviors. Dermatologists play an important role in the diagnosis, since cutaneous manifestations are frequent during disease progression. We report a rare case of secondary syphilis with periungual involvement. Syphilis, especially in the secondary form, may present with different clinical features, affecting different organs, and mimicking many diseases. Although nail apparatus lesions are more common in the primary form of the disease, they may also be present in the secondary and tertiary forms. Therefore, a comprehensive knowledge of the diverse forms of syphilis presentation is important for an early diagnosis and timely treatment.

Keywords: Nail disorders; Skin diseases; Syphilis.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
a Erythematous scaly plaque in the lateral region of the left fifth finger extending up to the lateral nail fold and part of the hyponychium. b Partial involvement of the hyponychium and volar region.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Posterior region of the left leg with an erythematous scaly plaque. Presence of areas with more active edges and a hypochromic center.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Improvement of the lesions 30 days from the first penicillin G benzathine dose. a Left fifth finger. b Posterior region of the left leg.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
After 5 months. a Small areas of residual hyperchromia on the left fifth finger. b Posterior region of the left leg with areas of residual hyperchromia and hypochromia.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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