Syphilis is a bacterial infection. It is spread by sexual contact. If left untreated, it can cause brain, nerve, and tissue damage. It can cause death.
Syphilis is caused by the bacterium, Treponema pallidum . It is passed through direct contact with a syphilis lesion. The contact can happen through:
Factors that increase your chance of syphillis include:
There are four stages of syphilis in adults:
Single or multiple lesions will appear. This can happen within 10-90 days of exposure. They occur in the area where the infection was originally passed. Common sites include the genitals, rectum, tongue, inside of the mouth, or lips.
At first the lesion is raised or blister-like and painless. It gradually breaks down to form an induration or ulcer. The ulcer is painless at first. It usually has raised edges and is firm and round. The ulcers usually last for 1-5 weeks. They will heal on their own.
Sometimes these lesions acquire a second bacterial infection. This can also become painful. During this time, you may notice enlarged lymph nodes in your groin. Without treatment, the infection may move to the secondary stage. This can happen even if the ulcers are no longer visible.
This stage develops from several weeks to months after infection. It starts with a pink or red-colored rash that usually doesn't itch. It often occurs with a sore throat , swollen glands, headache, and other flu -like symptoms. It may appear on one or more areas of the skin. The rash usually lasts 2-6 weeks and may appear as the following:
In this stage the infection persists but there are no symptoms. This may last for many years. It may or may not progress to the third stage. Blood tests for syphilis will be positive during this stage. This stage is then further divided into the following:
This stage may begin months or even years after the initial infection. This stage has become very rare in developed countries. In this stage, the bacterium begins to damage:
This type occurs when a pregnant women passes syphilis to her unborn child. This is now rare in developed countries. Syphilis testing is part of routine prenatal care. This can cause deafness and problems with the teeth and nose for the child.
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. The doctor will look for lesions or rashes on the body and genital area. In addition:
Penicillin kills the bacterium and prevents further damage. It will not repair any damage already done. In general:
People who are allergic to penicillin can either be desensitized or can be given alternate antibiotics, such as:
If you have syphilis, avoid sexual relations until treatment is complete and the infection is cleared up. All sex partners should be notified. They will need to get treated as well.
Syphilis lesions can be hidden in the vagina, rectum, or mouth. It may not be obvious that a sex partner has syphilis. The following practices can help prevent syphilis:
RESOURCES:
American Social Health Association
http://www.ashastd.org/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Prevention Information Network
http://www.cdc.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Health Network
http://www.canadian-health-network.ca/
Sex Information and Education Council of Canada
http://www.sieccan.org/
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/index.htm .
Ferri. Ferri's Clinical Advisor: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment . 8th ed. Mosby, An Imprint of Elsevier; 2006.
Last reviewed January 2009 by David L. Horn, MD, FACP
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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