A 31-year-old man seeks evaluation of a pruritic papular eruption on his trunk of 2 weeks’ duration. He denies fever, malaise, and medication use.
Answer: Perform a VDRL test
See the full case at Consultant360This is a typical presentation of pityriasis rosea, which usually manifests as oval-shaped, salmon-colored macules or erythematous papules. Since secondary syphilis can mimic pityriasis rosea, a VDRL test, can be useful; the other tests are of limited value.