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Follmann balanitis - A very rare presentation of primary syphilis
P Arunprasath1, R Someshwaran2, K Mahadevan3
1Department of Dermatology, Annapoorana Medical College and Hospitals, Salem, Tamil Nadu, India.
Abstract:
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by Treponema pallidum. The primary stage of the disease manifests as a chancre. Balanoposthitis as a presenting feature of primary syphilis is a very rare presentation. A 26-year-old male presented with asymptomatic erythematous plaques involving the glans and prepuce after unprotected intercourse with a known female. Routine investigations, serology, and dark field examination were normal. Fontana-Masson stain revealed spirochetes and a diagnosis of syphilitic balanitis of Follmann was entertained. This rare presentation accounts for only 0.3%-0.5% of cases of primary syphilis and hence is highlighted in this case report.
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