Chancre of eyelid as a manifestation of congenital syphilis: a case report

Congenital syphilis results from the transplacental transmission of Treponema pallidum from an infected mother to the fetus. Clinical manifestations can vary from the absence of symptoms in the newborn to multisystemic involvement, complicating its diagnosis. We report the case of an infant with an eyelid lesion. Congenital syphilis was confirmed in the early stage with ocular, cutaneous and bone involvement, diagnosed at five weeks of age. Maternal history and tests conducted at the time of delivery were crucial in achieving the diagnosis. This case highlights the importance of screening for syphilis during pregnancy and childbirth, considering the window period associated with various treponemal and non-treponemal tests, as well as the need to maintain a high index of suspicion even beyond the neonatal period.