pinta
Last reviewed 01/2018
Pinta is a treponemal disease resulting from direct inoculation of the organism, Treponema carateum, usually through broken skin. It is endemic in Central and South America.
Locally there is a primary lesion resembling eczema, with regional lymphadenopathy. After some months secondary scaly lesions occur, which can resemble psoriasis.
Serologically this condition cannot be distinguished from syphilis. The organisms can be seen in dark field examination of skin scrapings or lymph nodes.
Treatment is with penicillin.