What is Syphilis?
Syphilis is a bacterial sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a bacteria called ‘Treponema pallidum’. It spreads by direct contact with an infectious moist lesion usually through sexual intercourse. It is a bacterial infection. Although less common than chlamydia and gonorrhea, it can create very serious health problems.
Syphilis has often been call an "imitator" as its symptoms are often confused with by the symptoms of other conditions and diseases. The most common symptoms are sores on the genitals, anus, or in the rectum, and later a rash on the body. Many people infected have no symptoms for years. People with syphilis can go years without any symptoms at all. In fact, in the early stages of the disease, if there are syphilis sores, they may go unnoticed. These two characteristics of syphilis mean most infections occur between people who are unaware of their syphilis infection.
The highest incidence of syphilis is in the 20 to 39 year old group, but you can still get it as a teenager. The disease progresses through several stages: primary, secondary, latent, and sometimes tertiary. The signs and symptoms of syphilis are the same in both men and women.
How Syphilis is passed on?
- Spread during first and second stage through anal, oral, or vaginal sex, or intimate skin-to-skin contact with a sore.
- Can be spread through kissing if a sore is located on the lips or inside the mouth.
- Can be passed from pregnant mother to unborn child.
Signs, Stages and Symptoms
Syphilis has several stages. The primary and secondary stages are very infectious. The three commonly recognized stages are:
- Primary Syphilis
- Secondary Syphilis and
- Latent & Tertiary Syphilis
Primary Stage
The primary stage of syphilis (Primary Syphilis) is usually marked by the appearance of a small, painless open sore or ulcer (called a chancre), which appears where syphilis entered the body or in other words a chancre is the typical sore of primary syphilis. This ulcer typically appears 2-3 weeks after exposure. The often solitary ulcer that appears on the penis is easily visible. However, ulcers that occur on the labia, cervix, anal area, or in the mouth may go unnoticed because they are painless and not easily visible.
The classic-appearing ulcer or chancre is shallow with sharply defined borders and slightly raised edges. The base of the ulcer is clean and free of debris. It is typically painless and is firm to the touch. However, many syphilitic ulcers are not "classic" or typical-appearing, and any ulcer appearing on the genitalia should be examined medically.
If left untreated, the chancre typically heals spontaneously in. It may leave behind a thin, slightly depressed scar. This is the end of the primary stage. The organism continues to multiply in the body, but there is little outward evidence of disease until the appearance of the second stage.
Be Vigilant if you develop any of the following symptoms:
- Development of painless sores in the area
- Genital Lesions (male /female)
- Mouth Sores
- Skin Lesions
- Sores or Lesions on the Rectum
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the area containing the chancre
- A sore that heals in 3-6 weeks
These signs may occur from 10 days to three months after exposure averaging about 3 weeks
Secondary Stage
The second stage of syphilis called Secondary syphilis is the most contagious. At an average, about a third of untreated individuals with primary syphilis may develop instances of secondary syphilis. The second stage usually occurs at about 3 to 8 weeks after the appearance of the original painless sore (chancre) and when one or more areas of the skin break into a rash that usually does not itch. Sometimes, the sore may still be present.
By the time a patient enters into stage of secondary syphilis, the bacteria has spread into the bloodstream.
The secondary stage of syphilis is characterized by :
- Skin rash, which varies in appearance, yet frequently involves the palms and soles. In some cases, lesions called mucous patches may be seen in or on the mouth, vagina, or penis.
- Occurrence of moist or warty patches on the genitalia or skin folds.
Incubation Period
The signs and symptoms of secondary syphilis may begin two to 10 weeks after the chancre appears
Congenital Syphilis
Congenital syphilis is an infection passed from mother to child during fetal development or birth. Pregnant females with the disease can pass it to their unborn child during pregnancy.
Congenital syphilis is a severe, disabling, and often life-threatening condition for the infant. This can cause serious infections, birth defects, or death. Nearly half of all children infected with syphilis during gestation die shortly before or after birth. Infants who survive develop early-stage and late-stage symptoms of syphilis, if not treated.
Male Syphilis
Female Syphilis