Follmann balanitis and anetoderma in secondary syphilis

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Syphilology

Background:

• Syphilitic balanitis of Follmann (FB) is a rare manifestation of primary syphilis.
• Its clinical presentation is heterogeneous, ranging from edematous balanoposthitis to erosive balanitis or asymptomatic induration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a unique case of primary syphilis presenting as Syphilitic balanitis of Follmann.
• To highlight the concurrent presentation of anetoderma, a secondary syphilis manifestation, with FB.
• To report the first-ever described association between these two syphilitic manifestations.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a patient with primary and secondary syphilis.
• Clinical description of the lesions observed.
• Review of existing literature on Syphilitic balanitis of Follmann and anetoderma.

Main Results:

• A patient presented with clinical features of Syphilitic balanitis of Follmann.
• The same patient concurrently exhibited anetoderma, indicative of secondary syphilis.
• This specific co-occurrence of FB and anetoderma has not been previously documented.

Conclusions:

• Syphilitic balanitis of Follmann represents a rare but possible presentation of primary syphilis.
• The concurrent occurrence of FB and anetoderma suggests a broader spectrum of syphilitic manifestations.
• Further research may elucidate the relationship between these distinct syphilitic presentations.