Hello,
My question is specific to the secondary syphilis rash. I have had a recurring rash on my hands for about 8 months or so. It comes and goes. On the palm side, it appears as red dots UNDER the skin....it does look like the syphilis rash pictures that I have seen. On the back side of my hand and in the finger webs, it appears as small red pimple-like raised bumps. No fluid in them though. Itching precedes the outbreak, but then when they are present, they don't really itch. The rash lasts for 4 to 5 days and then fades away, and when it is gone, it looks like nothing ever happened. Then it recurrs unpredictably. I did see a dermatologist and he is currently "stumped"...he is convinced it is not any form of exzema. He took a small chunk of my hand for a biopsy and he drew blood for a syphilis test. I certainly don't remember any sort of a chancre sore ever from the primary syphilis stage, but I guess it is conceivable that I missed it. I am 36, straight white male, have had about 25 partners, always used condoms for vaginal and anal sex, but have had unprotected oral with at least 15 or so partners.
Key question I have is -- does the secondary syphilsi rash recur? Or is it a one time event? Or is this even known?
Thanks so much!