The typical eruption is maculo- papular and consists of small spots that are dark red to copper. If the rash is present at birth it is often bullous. The rash is most severe on the hands and feet. The rash is followed after 1- 3 weeks by desquamation. As the rash fades, the lesions become coppery or dusky red.
Fissures often develop about the lips, nares, and anus.
They bleed readily and heal with scarring. A cluster of scars radiating around the mouth is called rhagades. White mucous patches may be found on any of the mucous membranes. Ectodermal changes include exfoliation of the nails, loss of hair and eyebrows, and iritis. Late manifestations of congenital syphilis are the result of scarring from the early systemic disease and include involvement of the teeth, bones, eyes, and gummas in the viscera, skin, or mucous membranes.