Snuffles, Hutchinson teeth and saber shins — what do these things all have in common? They are symptoms of syphilis. Also known as the “great mimicker,” syphilis can present itself in many ways.
Ericka Hayes, MD, attending physician in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, addresses the growing problem of congenital syphilis and the rising rates of transmission from mother to child; describes the common symptoms at birth or in early infancy as found in the newborn nursery and at early newborn checkups, including the classic syphilis rash and its variations; stresses the importance of universal STI screening for teens in prevention; and more.