Yaws

Yaws (frambesia tropica) is a contagious skin disease caused by T. pallidum subsp. pertenue, endemic in tropical rural areas, mainly children/adolescents. Historically scattered in Jiangsu/Guangdong/Fujian/Guangxi/Taiwan; eradicated by mid-1960s; still endemic in Africa/Central-South America/Southeast Asia/Oceania along the equator.

Common Symptoms

Lymphadenopathy; papule; periostitis; tinea; chills; condyloma

Causes and Pathogenesis

Agent: T. pallidum subsp. pertenue (yaws treponeme), related to syphilis and pinta treponemes; morphologically/serologically indistinguishable. Pathogenesis: treponemes enter broken skin, reach blood (slower than syphilis), involve bones/nodes/skin. Early: epidermal thickening, dermal infiltrate/proliferation/edema, microabscesses, many treponemes in stratum spinosum, papillary hyperplasia, hyperkeratosis, ulceration with dried exudate, diffuse periostitis/cortical rarefaction. Late: endarteritis, ulcerogranulomatous nodules, skin/bone gummas causing deformity.

Treatment

Drug therapy, supportive therapy

Preventive Measures

Contact disease—avoid contact with yaws patients; prevent skin trauma/insect bites. Maintain mood.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Infectious Diseases department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.