Secondary syphilis is characterized by which of the following skin/mucosal findings?

Correct answer: A. Maculopapular rash including palms and soles

• A. Secondary syphilis occurs 4–10 weeks after the primary chancre heals. Its hallmark is a diffuse maculopapular rash that characteristically involves the PALMS and SOLES — this is pathognomonic and distinguishes it from most other rashes. Oral mucous patches may also occur. ✓
• B. A painless chancre is the hallmark of PRIMARY syphilis (Treponema pallidum at the site of inoculation). It heals spontaneously in 3–6 weeks.
• C. Condylomata lata (flat, moist genital warts) can occur in secondary syphilis but are not the defining systemic lesion. The palms/soles rash is the classic board finding.
• D. A vesicular eruption following a dermatome describes herpes zoster (shingles), not syphilis.