Secondary yaws (Q38160): Difference between revisions

Secondary yaws results from lymphatic and haematogenous spread of Treponema pallidum subsp. pertenue spirochaetes from the initial inoculation site and appears from a few weeks to 2 years after the primary infection. The commonest initial symptoms are non-specific and include arthralgia and malaise. Secondary skin lesions consist of multiple papules and nodules similar to the initial lesion but smaller. They may be localised, regional or generalised; they may ulcerate and on moist areas may mimic syphilitic condylomata lata. Hyperkeratotic plaques on the palms and soles may develop painful fissures and secondary infection, resulting in a characteristic ‘crab-like’ gait.