Question

Which of the following is not true of secondary syphilis?

a) >6 weeks
b) chancre present
c) chancre gone
d) classic rash

Answer 1

The incorrect statement about secondary syphilis is that a chancre is present, as chancres are characteristic of primary syphilis and heal before the secondary stage begins, which instead features a rash and other systemic symptoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement which is not true of secondary syphilis is that a chancre is present (b). The chancre is typically associated with primary syphilis and lasts from 3 to 6 weeks before healing, whether or not treatment is administered. During the secondary stage of syphilis, which occurs after the primary chancre has healed or begun to heal, a characteristic rash appears. This stage is highly contagious and can present with other systemic symptoms such as malaise, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.