HEALTH - SYPHILIS
Syphilis remains one of the more prevalent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that can cause, in later stages, damage to the muscles, brain and other major internal organs. It is caused by the bacterium, Trepodema Pallidum, and is a very dangerous illness. It is particularly dangerous for pregnant women as it can cause stillbirth or death within a few days to a newborn. Syphilis also raises the risk level for contracting HIV. Those who have syphilis sores are two to five times more likely to contract HIV from an infected partner. Syphilis has three distinct stages, the first of which can go unnoticed by those affected. Primary infection can occur anywhere between 10 days to three months after contraction of the illness. The first indication of syphilis is a single sore called a chancre. The sore is usually painless, and may heal without treatment, and thus never be noticed. Occasionally, the primary stage will cause multiple sores, which is good, in a way, as it may get people to see a doctor more immediately.
Symptoms
Primary syphilis
The first sign of syphilis is a small sore, called a chancre (SHANG-kur). The sore appears at the spot where the bacteria entered your body. While most people infected with syphilis develop only one chancre, some people develop several of them. The chancre usually develops about three weeks after exposure. Many people who have syphilis don't notice the chancre because it's usually painless and it may be hidden within the vagina or rectum. The chancre will heal on its own within six weeks.
The first sign of syphilis is a small sore, called a chancre (SHANG-kur). The sore appears at the spot where the bacteria entered your body. While most people infected with syphilis develop only one chancre, some people develop several of them. The chancre usually develops about three weeks after exposure. Many people who have syphilis don't notice the chancre because it's usually painless and it may be hidden within the vagina or rectum. The chancre will heal on its own within six weeks.
Secondary syphilis
Within a few weeks of the original chancre healing, you may experience a rash that begins on your trunk but eventually covers your entire body — even the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet. This rash is usually not itchy and may be accompanied by wart-like sores in the mouth or genital area. Some people also experience muscle aches, fever, sore throat and swollen lymph nodes. These signs and symptoms may disappear within a few weeks or repeatedly come and go for as long as a year.
Within a few weeks of the original chancre healing, you may experience a rash that begins on your trunk but eventually covers your entire body — even the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet. This rash is usually not itchy and may be accompanied by wart-like sores in the mouth or genital area. Some people also experience muscle aches, fever, sore throat and swollen lymph nodes. These signs and symptoms may disappear within a few weeks or repeatedly come and go for as long as a year.
Latent syphilis
If you aren't treated for syphilis, the disease moves from the secondary to the latent (hidden) stage, when you have no symptoms. The latent stage can last for years. Signs and symptoms may never return, or the disease may progress to the tertiary (third) stage. Tertiary or late syphilis
About 15 to 30 percent of people infected with syphilis who don't get treatment will develop complications known as tertiary, or late, syphilis. In the late stages, the disease may damage your brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones and joints. These problems may occur many years after the original, untreated infection. Congenital syphilis
Babies born to women who have syphilis can become infected through the placenta or during birth. Most newborns with congenital syphilis have no symptoms, although some experience a rash on the palms of their hands and the soles of their feet. Later symptoms may include deafness, teeth deformities and saddle nose where the bridge of the nose collapses.
Babies born to women who have syphilis can become infected through the placenta or during birth. Most newborns with congenital syphilis have no symptoms, although some experience a rash on the palms of their hands and the soles of their feet. Later symptoms may include deafness, teeth deformities and saddle nose where the bridge of the nose collapses.
Treatment
Antibiotics effectively treat syphilis during any stage. Antibiotic treatment cannot reverse the damage caused by complications of late-stage syphilis, but it can prevent further complications. Follow-up blood tests are required to make sure that treatment has been effective. Exposed sex partners need to be examined, tested, and treated for syphilis. Penicillin is the preferred drug for treating syphilis. Penicillin is the standard therapy for the treatment of neurosyphilis, congenital syphilis, or syphilis acquired or detected during pregnancy. But other antibiotics (such as ceftriaxone) may also be used. If you are allergic to penicillin, make sure you tell your doctor. Your doctor will still be able to treat the syphilis but may consult with a specialist on the best antibiotic choice.More Information
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