Persons should not resume sexual activity until two weeks after treatment completion or, in the presence of any lesion(s), until all lesions have healed
Kingston M, French P, Higgins S et al. UK national guidelines on the management of syphilis 2015. Int J STD AIDS 2016;27(6):421–446. doi: 10.1177/0956462415624059
Source: Netter Images (Please note it can also affect female genitals)
Source: American Academy of Family Physicians
Source: Pinterest
Source: Health Life Media
Symptoms (adults)
(First phase)
Sores on genital and/or around mouth from 2-6 weeks?
Sores then disappear and then one gets (second phase):
Non-itchy pink to reddish brown to violet rash (mainly on palms of hands and soles of feet) though can occur anywhere?
Rash on groin, armpits, inner thighs and under breast) that turn to raised white and grey raised area of skin, it may resolve in a few weeks but can reoccur?
Headache which is on and off or a constant headache longer than 24 hours?
High temperature greater than 38°C (100°F) or over and/or chills and sweats longer than 72 hours?
General discomfort (muscle weakness), uneasiness or ill feeling (malaise) and/or fatigue (tiredness)?
Unexplained weight loss?
Patchy hair loss?
Joint pains and stiffness?
Symptoms above can last for six weeks or longer and then disappear for years and then develop severe warning symptoms (third phase):
Loss of mental function?
Bone pain?
Tumour-like swellings internal and external (appears as lumps on the skin)?
Penicillin can cure both syphilis and congenital syphilis. The antibiotic cannot reverse damage done to your organs via infection, especially if the disease has greatly progressed before treatment.
Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:
Tabes dorsalis (a condition characterized by nerve pain, loss of motor skills, visual impairment, deafness, and incontinence)
This condition can lead to:
Chancre
This is a hard sore or an ulcer that usually forms where the bacteria enters your body, most often in your genital area, but also in your mouth or anus. A chancre usually doesn’t cause pain) – it can be confused with a chancroid.
It can occur after 21 days after syphilis exposure and cause swelling around the surrounding area.
It can last from 3- 6 weeks and heal faster with treatment.
Multiple lesions can occur for those who have a weak immune system i.e. H.I.V
Argyll Robertson pupil is the most common ocular finding in patients with syphilis. It is described as pupils that constrict with accommodation but do not constrict with exposure to light.
Medscape
Contagious:
During syphilis (first phase), the disease is passed by coming into contact with a mouth sore.
During secondary syphilis (second phase), the disease can be passed by coming into contact with the secondary rash. the rash can be puss- filled and can be highly contagious.
During early syphilis phase (second phase), secondary symptoms can sometimes relapse and increase the risk of transmission.
During late syphilis (third phase), the disease is considered non-contagious.
Sexual Partners:
With primary syphilis (first phase), notification should be sent toanyone you’ve had sex with up to 90 days before the appearance of symptoms.
With secondary syphilis (second phase), notification should be sent to anyone you’ve had sex with up to six months before the appearance of symptoms.
With early latent syphilis (third phase), notification should be sent anyone you’ve had sex with up to a year before the appearance of symptoms.
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Syphilis (adults) in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
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