Background: Eugène Follmann first described syphilitic balanitis as a manifestation of primary syphilis in 1948 and since then it has been known as syphilitic balanitis of Follmann (SBF). So far, SBF has rarely been described in literature.
Objectives: We are reporting five additional cases of SBF considering the broad differential diagnosis of balanitis.
Methods: A review of the available literature of SBF was performed and five additional cases analyzed.
Results: In our case series, the clinical appearance of SBF shows a heterogeneous spectrum varying from painful oedematous balanoposthitis with beginning paraphimosis to superficial erosive balanitis and even to painless induration of the glans.
Conclusions: SBF might be seen more frequently than has been described due to misinterpretation. Therefore primary syphilis should be included in the differential diagnosis of balanitis and balanoposthitis.
© 2016 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.