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Pint
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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Pinta is a unique variety of tropical treponematosis of Latin American countries. In addition to Central Asian countries, the disease is also found in Africa (Algeria, Egypt) and Asia (India, Philippines). Pinta is not found in countries with cold and moderate climates.
The term "pinta" comes from the Spanish "spot", "to draw" and is associated with the varied clinical picture of skin lesions.
Epidemiology of the pint
The source of infection is a sick person. Human susceptibility is quite high. In families where there is a sick person, eventually more than half of the family members become ill. The main route of infection is direct or indirect contact with the sick person (using a common bed, towel, dishes). Poor household culture and poor living conditions contribute to infection. The disease is observed in all age groups, more often in rural areas, especially those living near rivers and lakes, i.e. in hot, humid climates.
Reasons for a pint
For a long time, due to the peculiarities of the clinical picture, which really resembled mycosis, the disease pinta was considered to be of fungal origin. The true pathogen was discovered in 1927 and named Treponema carateum. In its morphological properties, pinta is close to the pathogens of syphilis and yaws.
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Symptoms of Pinta
Course of the disease
The incubation period is 2-3 weeks.
Primary period - up to six months.
Secondary period - up to 3 years.
Tertiary period - begins after 3 years and can last for several decades.
The Pinta proceeds cyclically, passing through several successive periods in its development.
The incubation period of pinta lasts about 1-3 weeks, after which the primary affect appears at the site of the entry gate in the form of an inflammatory nodule up to 1 cm in diameter, surrounded by a narrow bright red rim. Its appearance characterizes the initial symptoms of pinta, namely, the primary period of the disease. Usually the nodule is single, but there can be 3-4 or more. The localization of the primary affect is most often on the face (ears, nose, neck), less often - on open areas of the limbs. Moderate itching is noted in places of primary rash. The nodule gradually increases in size due to eccentric growth, compacts and turns into a sharply defined small plaque, resembling an inflammatory disc with slight peeling on the surface. Sometimes small daughter elements (satellites) appear around the primary lesion - the disc, often merging with the mother disc.
After several months, as a result of the generalization of the infection, fresh rashes - pentides - join the primary affect. They open the secondary period. Morphologically, pentides are similar to the primary erythematous-papular lesion, but are accompanied by more pronounced itching. They increase in size due to eccentric growth and give a small bran-like peeling on the surface, sometimes actually simulating a mycotic lesion. A characteristic sign of the secondary period is the gradual development of hyperpigmentation on the initial erythematous-squamous discs with the formation of multiple pigment spots of varying size and outline. Depending on the individual characteristics of the skin, the color of these spots varies from grayish-blue to brownish-black and violet. Some spots can acquire a grayish, whitish, yellow and even orange-red color. All of the listed types of spots eventually become white. Sometimes the mucous membrane of the cheeks and palate is involved in the process. The foci may emit a foul odor. Dystrophy of the nails (subungual hyperkeratosis, onycholysis), moderate polyadenitis are possible. Tr. carateum is easily detected in skin rashes and lymph node puncture during this period.
The secondary period can last 2-4 years or longer, after which the process moves into the final, third period: progressive depigmentation of previously hyperchromic spots (achromia phase) gradually develops. At the same time, peeling stops, due to which the depigmented spots appear smooth, shiny, slightly atrophic (pseudovitiliginous spots). Thus, extreme variegation in skin coloring occurs, caused by the simultaneous presence of achromia and hyperpigmentation. The changes are most noticeable on the face and limbs.
Pinta is strictly chronic and can last for decades. The general condition of patients usually does not suffer.
Pint diagnostics
Pinta diagnosis is based on the endemicity of the disease, the characteristic staged course, the typical clinical picture, the detection of Treponema carateum in scrapings from rashes on the skin and mucous membranes and in lymph node puncture. Positive results of serological reactions to syphilis are of great importance.
Pint Treatment
Treatment of pinta involves the use of modern antisyphilitic drugs (penicillin preparations, reserve antibiotics)
How is pint prevented?
Prevention of pinta comes down to identifying and treating patients, conducting preventive treatment for people who were in close contact with patients, improving the standard of living of the population of endemic zones, maintaining personal hygiene, and improving the sanitary culture of the population. In people who have had the disease, the process may have an abortive course during reinfection.