Secondary syphilis mimicking erythema multiforme.

Syphilis, often referred to as "the great imitator," frequently leads to misdiagnosis due to its diverse clinical manifestations. It typically presents with macular, maculopapular, or papular lesions, and can, although rarely, cause erythema multiforme (EM)-like lesions. We report a case of secondary syphilis in a patient living with HIV/AIDS, presenting with EM-like lesions, showing numerous plasma cells on histopathological examination. Dermoscopy of these lesions revealed a diffuse red background with central purpuric areas and dotted vessels at the periphery. These lesions resolved with treatment for secondary syphilis. This case is notable due to the rarity of EM-like lesions in secondary syphilis, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.