Syphilis rashis a symptom of secondarysyphilis, meaning it appears if syphilis isnt treated after the first symptoms appear.
However, a rash may be the first symptom of syphilis a person notices.
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Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet New Zealand and © Dr. Richard Ashton www.dermnetnz.org 2023.
Reproduced with permission from ADermNet New Zealand and A Dr. Richard Ashton www.dermnetnz.org 2023.
This article discusses the differences between HIV rash and syphilis rash and provides some characteristic signs.
Symptoms
Both HIV rash and syphilis rash can look similar.
But where these rashes show up on the body and specific characteristics can help differentiate them.
HIV rash is a red patch with small bumps that usually appears on the upper parts of the body.
It can be itchy and painful.
Mouth ulcers may also develop along with a rash.
Rashes can even appear on the soles of the feet or palms of the hand.
However, unlike syphilis, HIV can be transmitted through intravenous drug use.
Some data suggest a link between acquiring HIV and syphilis.
For example, having another STI, such as syphilis, is a risk factor for acquiring HIV.
Verywell Health prefers to use inclusive terminology.
But when citing research or health authorities, the terms for gender or sex from those sources are used.
Diagnosis
A healthcare provider will be able to diagnose an HIV rash and a syphilis rash.
The healthcare provider may examine the rash and take a blood sample for anHIV testorsyphilis test.
Treatment
Successful treatment for HIV rash and syphilis rash depends on getting the right diagnosis.
Treating an HIV or syphilis rash also means treating the underlying infection.
HIV Rash Treatment
The first symptoms of HIV may go away within a couple of weeks.
Syphilis can be cured with the right antibiotic medication.
For people who inject drugs, using new, clean needles is crucial to preventing transmission.
Getting tested for STIsand ensuring any sexual partner has been tested is another important step in prevention.
HIV Rash Prevention
Preventing HIV rash means knowing the risk factors for HIV.
Talk to a healthcare provider if you are concerned about HIV or have questions about how to protect yourself.
Syphilis rash is a symptom of secondary syphilis.
Where the rash shows up on the body as well as additional signs and symptoms can help differentiate them.
Both HIV and syphilis rashes can be prevented by knowing and managing the risk factors for HIV and syphilis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About HIV.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About syphilis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
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National Institutes of Health HIV Info.HIV and rash.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Getting tested for HIV.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.10 things to know about HIV suppression.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Living with HIV.
