Definition | Causes | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Prevention

Definition

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). If left untreated, syphilis can cause brain, nerve, tissue damage, and death. Fortunately, syphilis can be treated with antibiotics.

Causes

Syphilis is caused by a specific bacteria. It is passed through direct contact with a syphilis lesion, which may happen through:

Risk Factors

Factors that may increase your chance of getting syphilis include:

  • Having sex with a person infected with syphilis
  • Having multiple sex partners
  • Not using a latex condom during vaginal, anal, or oral sex
  • Touching a syphilis lesion
  • Having other sexually transmitted diseases

Symptoms

Symptoms will depend on what stage the syphilis is in. There are four main stages.

A single lesion will usually appear. It will occur in the area where the infection was originally passed. Common sites include the genitals, rectum, tongue, inside of the mouth, or lips.

It will start as a raised and painless lesion. It will gradually break down to form an ulcer. The ulcer is painless at first with raised edges. They usually last for 3-6 weeks. The ulcers will heal on their own.

Without treatment, the infection may move to the secondary stage. This can happen even if the ulcers are no longer visible.

Lymph Nodes

Male Lymph nodes
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

This stage is marked by the appearance of a non-itchy rash. This rash may appear as rough, red, or reddish brown spots on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet. It is also possible for different rashes to appear in other places on the body. These rashes may appear as:

  • Small blotches or scales
  • Moist warts in the groin area
  • Slimy white patches in the mouth

The rash may be accompanied by flu-like symptoms, such as:

  • Sore throat
  • Swollen lymph nodes throughout the body
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle aches

Untreated secondary symptoms will disappear within a few weeks, but there may be repeated episodes during the next few years.

The infection is still present but there are no symptoms. It may or may not progress to the third stage. Blood tests for syphilis will be positive during this stage.

This stage may begin years after the initial infection. This stage has become very rare in developed countries. In this stage, the infection begins to damage:

  • Brain and nerves
  • Eyes
  • Heart and blood vessels
  • Liver
  • Bones and joints

Damage can be serious enough to cause death. Symptoms include the following:

  • Small bumps called gummas on the skin, bones, or internal organs
  • Blindness
  • Central nervous system damage, including weakness, numbness, trouble walking, difficulty with balance, memory problems, and loss of bladder control

Babies born with this infection can have problems, such as deafness, cataracts, and seizures. It can also cause premature births or stillbirths.

Fetal Infection

DW00030_96472_1
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Tests may include:

Syphilis testing is part of routine prenatal care. This is done to treat and prevent congenital syphilis.

Treatment

Syphilis can be treated with antibiotics. The type of antibiotic and length of treatment will depend on how long you have been infected.

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.

Prevention

To reduce your chance of getting syphilis, take these steps:

It may not be obvious that a sex partner has syphilis. Do not assume your partner is healthy just because you do not see lesions.