INTRODUCTION: Secondary syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection characterized by localized or diffuse mucocutaneous lesions, often with generalized lymphadenopathy with laboratory evidence consistent with syphilis. Condolyma latum is one of the many forms of secondary syphilis and is noted to occur commonly on moist intertriginous areas of the body such as the axilla, web spaces of the toes, genital and perianal regions.
CASE REPORT: An 18 year-old man presented with a four-month history of few erythematous pruritic plaques on the penile shaft and multiple moist plaques involving the scalp, face, anterior neck, nape, axilla,anterior abdomen, upper and lower extremities, and scrotum. There are few erythematous scaly patches noted on the palms and soles. Serologic testing confirmed a diagnosis of syphilis and the patient tested negative for human immunodeficiency virus infection. The patient was given a single dose of intramuscular benzathine penicillin G 2.4 million units, with noted flattening of all lesions upon follow-up three months later.
CONCLUSION: Condylomata lata, although most commonly found on moist intriginous areas of the axilla, web spaces of the toes, genital and perianal regions, can also involve less commonly affected areas such as the scalp, face, anterior abdomen, and the extremities. A high index of suspicion therefore is warranted to differentiate it from other cutaneous diseases and to prevent progression of the disease by initiating appropriate antibacterial therapy.

Human ; Male ; Adolescent ; Anti-bacterial Agents ; Axilla ; Hiv Infections ; Lower Extremity ; Lymphadenopathy ; Scrotum ; Sexually Transmitted Diseases ; Syphilis ; Syphilis, Cutaneous

Background: Virgin coconut oil (VCO) has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic properties and can be used as an alternative to corticosteroids for mosquito bites. No studies on VCO for mosquito bites have been published. Objective: To compare the safety and efficacy of VCO against 1% Hydrocortisone as an anti-inflammatory and anti- pruritic preparation for mosquito bites. Method: This is a randomized, double-blind study comparing the anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic effect of VCO versus 1% Hydrocortisone on Aedes aegypti bites, by measuring the mean lesion size, subjective assessment of the effects on bites, pruritus intensity through the visual analog, and verbal rating scale in 91 subjects at baseline, 1 hour, days 1, 3, and 7. Results: During the first hour and throughout the seven-day period, there was a decrease in the mean lesion size, visual, and verbal scale score for both VCO and Hydrocortisone groups. The mean lesion size for both groups were not statistically significant on the 1st and 24th hour. On day 3, the mean lesion size for the VCO group was 0.02 and 0.71 for the Hydrocortisone group which was statistically significant in favor of VCO. The mean visual and verbal scale scores for pruritus for both treatment groups were not statistically significant. As early as the 1st hour, the proportion of patients who reported total clearance of lesions in the VCO group was 34.09% compared to 6.38% in the Hydrocortisone group. On day 7, both treatment groups had resolution of lesions. No adverse reactions were noted. Conclusion Virgin coconut oil is safe, cost-effective, and comparable to 1% Hydrocortisone as an anti- inflammatory and anti-pruritic agent.
Coconut Oil ; Hydrocortisone ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents