Syphilis

Secondary syphilis - patchy mouth erosions

The second stage of syphilis, known as secondary syphilis, occurs within 4-10 weeks after the primary stage. It can last several weeks or months and 25% of untreated patients will have a recurrence of secondary syphilis.

Secondary syphilis results from widespread dissemination of T. pallidum and is manifested by fever, malaise, headache, alopecia, generalized non-tender lymphadenopathy and a generalized rash.

This slide shows patchy mouth erosions (known as mucous patches), which are typical of secondary syphilis. Mucous patches may also affect the genitals.

Source: Boehringer-Ingelheim