Syphilis: primary chancre Secondary syphilis Secondary syphilis is a generalised infection. Secondary syphilis is characterised by rash and systemic symptoms, during which the patient is very infectious. If the patient is untreated, these symptoms will eventually resolve over a number of weeks, but they can recur.

Understanding the Context

Chancroid (soft chancre) is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi. As seen in the images below, it is characterised by painful genital ulcers and painful swollen lymph glands in the inguinal area Syphilis is an infectious disease caused by the spirochaete Treponema pallidum. Histology of syphilis Primary syphilis (primary chancre) demonstrates an acanthotic epidermis which erodes with time to become ulcerated. Under the ulcer bed there is typically a dense lymphocytic response, numerous plasma cells, and endothelial swelling (figure 1).

Key Insights

Tuberculous chancre: atypical mycobacterial infection, other opportunistic infections Lupus vulgaris: leprosy, sarcoidosis Tuberculosis verrucosa cutis: viral wart, keratoses Orificial tuberculosis: Crohn disease, syphilis Scrofuloderma: atypical mycobacterial infections, abscess. What is the treatment of cutaneous tuberculosis? The chancre is an indurated (hardened) red or purple nodule, 2 to 5 cm in diameter, which is accompanied by enlarged lymph nodes. A central necrotic eschar (dark-coloured crust) may form before the chancre desquamates (peels off in scales) within 2 to 3 weeks, leaving no trace. Primary chancre of syphilis There is a single, painless ulcer with a clean base and firm raised edges.

Final Thoughts

It is often associated with large, non-tender inguinal lymph nodes. Lymphogranuloma venereum There is a single, transient, painless ulcer. It is often associated with urethritis and followed by tender inguinal lymph nodes weeks later. Primary chancre What is syphilis? Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum. Syphilis can cause many signs and symptoms similar to other diseases, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and thus is nicknamed ‘the great imitator’.

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