The “Great Masquerader" Strikes Again: Secondary Syphilis Presentation with Erythema Multiforme (EM)-Like Lesions

Abstract

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease known to present with highly variable manifestations, especially when left untreated. Patients who present to Internal Medicine Departments with fever and a rash are always a diagnostic challenge since mild viral diseases and life-threatening bacterial infections may manifest themselves similarly. In the following case presentation, we describe a patient with 1 month’s duration of fever and rash on the palms of the hand and soles of the feet, in the form of erythema multiforme (EM)-like lesions. His disease was diagnosed as secondary syphilis, once again justifying its name: the “great masquerader".

Keywords

• Syphilis, erythema multiforme, fever and rash, fever of unknown origin