SYPHILIS
WHAT IS SYPHILIS?
Syphilis is a bacterial STD that goes through a progression of symptoms, or stages, that lead to serious, life-threatening symptoms.
HOW DO YOU GET SYPHILIS?
Syphilis is passed through breaks or openings in the skin or mucous membranes. This means that it not only passes during anal, vaginal, and oral sex, but can also be transmitted through kissing. In addition, pregnant women can transmit Syphilis to their fetuses during pregnancy and if left untreated while pregnant can result in stillbirth and deformities.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SYPHILIS?
Syphilis through a series of worsening stages. Each stage and it's symptoms are below:
Primary Stage - Syphilis produces an ulcer, known as a chancre, that are often painless and usually heal on their own. This becomes visible within 10-90 days of exposure and while present makes the disease highly contagious.
Secondary Stage - Syphilis produces a skin rash that may cover a few areas of the entire body, but typically covers the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. This rash usually appears 3 to 6 weeks after the chancre. The rash usually heals within several weeks to months and is highly contagious while visible. Secondary stage syphilis can occur multiple times before becoming late stage syphilis.
Late Stage - Can damage many organs within the body. Some possible outcomes include:
Primary Stage - Syphilis produces an ulcer, known as a chancre, that are often painless and usually heal on their own. This becomes visible within 10-90 days of exposure and while present makes the disease highly contagious.
Secondary Stage - Syphilis produces a skin rash that may cover a few areas of the entire body, but typically covers the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. This rash usually appears 3 to 6 weeks after the chancre. The rash usually heals within several weeks to months and is highly contagious while visible. Secondary stage syphilis can occur multiple times before becoming late stage syphilis.
Late Stage - Can damage many organs within the body. Some possible outcomes include:
- Blindness
- Cardiovascular problems
- Severe Dementia
- Death
About 1/3 of people with Syphilis who didn't get treatment in the primary stage advance to chronic stages
HOW IS SYPHILIS DIAGNOSED?
It can be diagnosed through examination of infected tissue and with blood tests.
HOW IS SYPHILIS TREATED?
All stages of Syphilis can be treated with antibiotics. However, the damage from late stage syphilis can be permanent.