A chancre on the penis caused by primary syphilis. Chancres are highly visible in males but may go undetected in females. Toxin on the skin can be spread to other areas by the fingers. It is not uncommon to find children with a swollen nose, eyes, and genitalia where they have spread the toxin to these areas while scratching, eating, rubbing their eyes, or using the bathroom. This rash is usually red, smooth with no scale or crusts.
Patients often have other symptoms like arthritis, fever, and muscle aches.
Thick silvery scales may develop on top of the plaques. The scalp, genitalia, and skin around the navel are other frequently-affected sites. There are few symptoms, but the rash is very characteristic. It may be associated with serious diseases, but in the majority of cases an underlying illness is never discovered. It may be associated with serious diseases, but in the majority of cases an underlying illness is never discovered.