clinical features

Last reviewed 01/2018

Secondary syphilis is characterised by a combination of

  • fever
  • sore throat
  • malaise
  • arthralgia

There is also:

  • multiform skin eruptions (syphilids)
  • iritis
  • alopecia
  • mucous patches
  • severe headaches, joint and periosteal pain

Signs include:

  • generalised lymphadenopathy
  • generalised skin rashes - these involve the whole body with the exception of the face - rose pink
  • condylomata lata
  • superficial confluent ulcers - found in the mouth and on the external genitalia
  • hyperkeratosis on the palms and soles