DP15 Syphilis: The Chameleon Disease. A Case Series of Unexpected Mimicry

June 2025 in “ British Journal of Dermatology ”

Zinab Alatawi, Rohan Khera, Lauren Passby, G. A. Fremlin, Helen M. Lewis, Bethanie Rooke

secondary syphilis Treponema pallidum alopecia serological testing benzathine penicillin G dermatological evaluation hair loss penicillin

TLDR Syphilis can mimic other diseases, making diagnosis challenging, but proper testing and treatment are effective.

This case series highlights the diagnostic challenges of secondary syphilis, a condition caused by Treponema pallidum, which can mimic other diseases due to its diverse clinical presentations. The study involved 7 patients, aged 27 to 79, with symptoms such as rashes, alopecia, and systemic issues, often leading to misdiagnosis. All cases were confirmed through serological testing and treated with benzathine penicillin G, resulting in significant symptom resolution. The study emphasizes the importance of dermatological evaluation and serological testing in patients with unexplained symptoms, regardless of sexual history, and underscores the need for clinician awareness and consideration of social factors in managing this re-emerging disease.

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