Secondary Syphilis rashes

[cdn067]

Can you tell me what a syphilis rash looks like? Can you get it on your back and shoulders or is it always on your feet and palms? I

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Syphilis is sometimes referred to as "the great imitator" because the rash can be so varied.  The typical rash of syphilis occurs on the palms and/or soles of the feet but it can take on many other appearances.  You say nothing about your risk but, just as an FYI, in North America syphilis is a very rare infection which occurs primarily men who have sex with other men.  If you are concerned about syphilis, get a blood test.  When people have a rash due to syphilis the results fo the blood test are totally reliable.  

hope this helps.  EWH

[m533]

Hello, I have been curious about a small rash that I have noticed on my body. It occurs on my thighs around my knee area and on the tops of my feet. They don't itch and are red and flat. I went to my doctor and had a blood test but nothing came up positive and I was tested for everything...could there be a possibility that this rash is due to syphilis even though the blood test came up negative, or am I just paranoid?

Thanks,

Marc

[Edward W Hook, MD]

You are being paranoid.  Please stop worrying and believe your tests.  EWH

[soho3]

Have you ever seen an occurence of a primary chancer appearing after a rash of secondary stage syphilis heals?  In other words, does the order of appearance of primary and secondary syphilis ever occur in reverse?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

No.  This is your last answer.  I repeat, get over your unfounded concerns and move on.  Further anxiety-driven, unrealistic questions will be deleted without comment.  EWH