Which lesion is associated with secondary syphilis?

Which lesion is associated with secondary syphilis?

• A. Painless chancre
• B. Condyloma lata
• C. Herpes vesicles
• D. Erythema multiforme

Answer: (B)

During secondary syphilis, mucocutaneous lesions called condyloma lata appear. These are flat, broad-based, gray-white plaques that commonly sit in moist areas such as the perineum, groin, and axillae, and they can involve mucous membranes. They arise as Treponema pallidum disseminates in the bloodstream during the secondary stage, making the infection highly infectious at this point. In contrast, a painless chancre is the indurated ulcer of primary syphilis, herpes vesicles are due to herpes simplex infection and are typically painful vesicular eruptions, and erythema multiforme presents with target-shaped lesions often on the skin. Condyloma lata best represents the secondary-phase lesion.

During secondary syphilis, mucocutaneous lesions called condyloma lata appear. These are flat, broad-based, gray-white plaques that commonly sit in moist areas such as the perineum, groin, and axillae, and they can involve mucous membranes. They arise as Treponema pallidum disseminates in the bloodstream during the secondary stage, making the infection highly infectious at this point. In contrast, a painless chancre is the indurated ulcer of primary syphilis, herpes vesicles are due to herpes simplex infection and are typically painful vesicular eruptions, and erythema multiforme presents with target-shaped lesions often on the skin. Condyloma lata best represents the secondary-phase lesion.