Overview
Bacteria create the infection known as syphilis. Sexual intercourse is how HPV spreads most frequently. The illness usually begins as a painless sore that develops on the mouth, genitalia, or rectum. It is through direct touch with these sores that syphilis is transmitted from person to person. In addition, it can be transferred to a child during pregnancy, delivery, and occasionally through nursing.
The syphilis germs can remain in the body for several years after infection without producing any symptoms. However, the infection can reactivate. Syphilis can harm the heart, brain, or other organs if left untreated. It may endanger your life.
It is possible to treat early syphilis with a single dose of the antibiotic penicillin. For this reason, it’s critical to schedule a medical examination as soon as you have any syphilis symptoms. The initial prenatal visit should include a syphilis test for all expectant mothers.
Symptoms
Syphilis progresses in phases. The symptoms change with each stage. However, there’s a chance that the phases will overlap. Furthermore, the symptoms do not usually appear in the same sequence. It’s possible that you have a syphilis infection and be symptomless for years
Primary syphilis.
The first symptom of syphilis is a small sore called a chancre (SHANG-kur). The sore is often painless. It appears at the spot where the bacteria entered your body. Most people with syphilis develop only one chancre. Some people get more than one.
The chancre often forms about three weeks after you come in contact with syphilis bacteria. Many people who have syphilis don’t notice the chancre. That’s because it’s usually painless. It also may be hidden within the vagina or rectum. The chancre heals on its own within 3 to 6 weeks.
Secondary syphilis
A rash could appear during the first chancre’s healing process or a few weeks later.
Rashes brought on by syphilis:
Not itchy most of the time.
may appear reddish-brown, rough, or crimson.
Perhaps so dim as to be difficult to see.
The body’s trunk is where the rash usually begins. This encompasses the back, pelvis, stomach region, and chest. It may eventually also show up on the hands’ palms, the soles of the feet, and the limbs.
Along with the rash, you may have symptoms such as:
- Wartlike sores in the mouth or genital area.
- Hair loss.
- Muscle aches.
- Sore throat.
- Tiredness, also called fatigue.
- Weight loss.
- Swollen lymph nodes
Symptoms of secondary syphilis may go away on their own. But without treatment, they could come and go for months or years
Latent syphilis
Syphilis progresses from the secondary stage to the latent stage if treatment is not received. Since you don’t have any symptoms, this period is also known as the hidden stage. Latent stages can continue for many years. Your symptoms might not return. However, if the illness is left untreated, it may result in serious health issues known as complications.
Tertiary syphilis.
Up to 30% to 40% of syphilis patients who do not receive treatment develop complications known as tertiary syphilis after the latent period. It is also known as late syphilis.
The disease may damage the:
- Blood vessels.
- Bones and joints.
These problems may happen many years after the original, untreated infection.
Syphilis that spreads
Untreated syphilis can impact the eyes, brain, spinal cord, and other bodily organs at any point. Health issues that are severe or potentially fatal may result from this.
Congenital syphilis
Syphilis carriers can transmit the illness to their unborn children. The placenta, an organ in the womb that supplies nourishment and oxygen, can harbor bacteria that infects unborn children. Infections can also occur during childbirth.
Congenital syphilis in newborns may not present with any symptoms. However, if therapy is delayed, certain infants may get:
- Sores and rashes on the skin.
- A type of discolored skin and eyes, called jaundice.
- Not enough red blood cells, called anemia.
- Swollen spleen and liver.
- Sneezing or stuffed, drippy nose, called rhinitis.
- Bone changes.
Subsequent symptoms could include saddle nose, a disease where the nose bridge collapses, hearing, and dental issues.
Syphilis can also cause premature birth. They might pass away before giving delivery. Or after birth, they can pass away.
