Panel: Hansen's Disease and Secondary Syphilis in Dermatology Patients
- In:
Clinical Practice
- The presence of plasma cells on pathology is suggestive of syphilis and should prompt ordering RPR for verification.
- Three to 7% of syphilis patients will present with ONLY moth-eaten or patchy hair loss.
- Doxycycline 100mg taken twice a day for 14 days can be used to treat syphilis as a second-line treatment if Bicillin is not available.
- Anesthesia, enlarged nerves, and bacilli seen on biopsy are typical clinical signs of leprosy.
- Skin changes from neuropathy present management challenges in patients with leprosy. Extensive education regarding foot care and special footwear is often needed.