A 30-year-old man presents with a rash on his palms and soles, along with joint pain in his hands and feet. He reports having unprotected sexual contact about a month ago. What are the potential diagnoses and next steps?
The combination of a rash on the palms and soles and joint pain following unprotected sexual contact raises the possibility of secondary syphilis. Other symptoms can include fever, sore throat, and lymphadenopathy. The diagnosis is made by serologic testing for syphilis. If positive, the patient should be treated with penicillin G. Sexual partners should be notified and treated as well.