Syphilis: A great imitator

Abstract

Despite advances in the control, diagnosis, and treatment of syphilis, its recognition is ill- understood or often not considered by dermatologists and other physicians who either have little specialized training in the minutiae of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or whose dermatologic practice is only occasionally consulted by individuals from communities where STIs are prevalent. Our aim is to highlight contemporary ideas and findings on syphilis so that not only is an accurate diagnosis of syphilis made and recognized treatment given, but also necessary measures, such as counseling to exclude other STIs and to prevent reinfection, partner notification, and public health epidemiology as for any other infectious disease, are not forgotten. For syphilis, like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, not only is the biomedical aspect important, but also are the social and psychologic components.