Secondary syphilis

Secondary syphilis occurs approximately 1–6 months (commonly 6 to 8 weeks) after the primary infection. There are many different manifestations of secondary disease. There may be a symmetrical reddish-pink non-itchy rash on the trunk and extremities.  The rash can involve the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. In moist areas of 
the body (usually vulva or scrotum), the rash becomes flat, broad, whitish, wart-like lesions known as condyloma latum. Mucous patches may also appear on the genitals or in the mouth. All of these lesions are infectious and harbor active treponeme organisms. A patient with syphilis is most
 contagious when he or she has secondary syphilis. Other symptoms common at this stage include fever, sore throat, malaise, weight loss, headache, meningismus and enlarged lymph nodes. Rare manifestations include an acute meningitis  that occurs in about 2% of patients, hepatitis, renal disease, hypertrophic gastritis, patchy proctitis, ulcerative colitis, rectosigmoid  mass, arthritis, periostitis, optic neuritis, interstitial keratitis, iritis and uveitis.


 Typical presentation of secondary syphilis rash on the palms of the hands and usually also seen on soles of feet.