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| Fig. 57.4 Congenital syphilis demonstrating perianal erosions. |
Syphilitic rhinitis is the most important and frequent physical finding in early congenital syphilis. It is characterized by a profuse serous nasal discharge (snuffles) that is teeming with spirochetes. The inflammatory process leads to eventual cartilage and bone deformity. Other findings include papulosquamous skin lesions, perianal erosions (Fig. 57-4), blistering of the hands and feet, hepatosplenomegaly, meningitis, meningoencephalitis, and osteochondritis. Congenital syphilis is a serious infection that, if untreated, has significant mortality.
