Annular rupioid secondary syphilis confined to the face

Abstract

Objectives: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by treponema pallidum. Its rash usually affects the trunk and limbs extensively, including the palms and soles of the feet. Secondary syphilis confined to the face is extremely rare. Methods: We report a case of annular rupioid secondary syphilis, which was misdiagnosed as verruca vulgaris. Results: The patient's lesions were confined to the face and resembled oyster shells. Her serological tests results were positive for treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay (TPPA) and rapid plasma reagin (RPR) (1:64). Conclusion: According to epidemiological history, clinical presentation, non-treponemal tests, treponemal tests, and effective benzathine penicillin G treatment, confirmed secondary syphilis.

Keywords

• Localized
• Oyster shell-like
• Face
• Serological tests
• Syphilis