Extensive condylomata lata in an adolescent: An uncommon and unusual presentation

Abstract

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in children account for a great physical and psychosocial morbidity. Being rare, they require a high index of suspicion for diagnosis. STIs may also be the first indication of child sexual abuse (CSA). Consequences of an undetected infection are potentially devastating; conversely, a false suspicion can have equally detrimental effects on both the child and the parents. Herein, we report a case of acquired secondary syphilis in a child presenting with unusually extensive condylomata lata at multiple sites and review the literatue to understand the possible interrelationship of syphilis and CSA.