Characteristics of second-stage syphilis rash

Stage II syphilis mainly refers to the entry of the syphilis spirochete into the blood circulation by the lymphatic system and the formation of bacteraemia that spreads throughout the body, thus causing skin mucosal and systemic damage, mostly occurring 9-12 weeks after infection with the syphilis spirochete. The most important feature of the second-stage syphilis rash is the absence of conscious symptoms, manifested as a rose-red, maroon, or copper-red rash, often generalized and symmetrically distributed. The syphilis rash that occurs on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet is idiosyncratic and presents as a mung bean to soybean-sized, copper-red, infiltrative macule or maculopapular rash, often with collar-like desquamation. The flat warts that occur in the anus, vulva, and external genitalia are also characteristic, presenting as moist papules with a broad, non-tipped base, surrounded by a dark red, infiltrative sensation, with a vesicular surface and a small amount of infiltrate.