The Basics
Written by the doctors and editors at UpToDate � �
What is syphilis? " � Syphilis is an infection that you can catch during sex. Infections that you can catch during sex are called "sexually transmitted infections. " � It is also possible for a pregnant woman to give syphilis to her baby. � �
Syphilis has different stages. Each stage causes a different set of symptoms. The stages (in the order they happen) are called: � �
- Primary syphilis
- Secondary syphilis
- Latent syphilis
- Late (or tertiary) syphilis
What are the symptoms of primary syphilis? " � Primary syphilis is the first stage of infection. Symptoms start 2 to 3 weeks after the person becomes infected. At that time, the person usually gets a raised red bump on the spot where the infection first entered the body. This bump is usually painless. Eventually it turns into a small sore (or ulcer) with a raised edge. � �
The sores caused by syphilis usually form on the penis or around the vagina or anus. But they can also form in places that are hard to see, such as the back of the throat or inside the vagina or rectum. � �
Sores caused by primary syphilis usually heal on their own within a few weeks. Since they dont hurt, many people don't get treatment for them. � �
What are the symptoms of secondary syphilis? " � Secondary syphilis is the second stage of infection. It starts weeks or a few months after primary syphilis and happens in about 25 percent of people who don't get treatment for their primary syphilis. � �
Symptoms of secondary syphilis include: � �
- A widespread rash
- Large, raised, gray or white patches on warm, moist areas of the body (such as the mouth)
- Fever
- Headache
- Sore throat, muscle aches, and other flu-like symptoms
- Weight loss
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, and groin area (lymph nodes are bean-shaped organs scattered throughout the body that store infection-fighting cells)
What are the symptoms of latent syphilis? " � Latent syphilis actually causes no symptoms. People who have this form can have the infection for years without knowing it. � �
What are the symptoms of late stage syphilis? " � Late stage syphilis (also called tertiary syphilis) can cause serious damage to the heart, brain, eyes, and other organs. � �
What is neurosyphilis? " � Neurosyphilis is the term for a syphilis infection that has moved into the brain, the spinal cord, or the tissues that surround both. Neurosyphilis can happen during any of the stages of syphilis. Symptoms of it include: � �
- Headache
- Confusion
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stiff neck
- Vision loss or trouble seeing clearly
If the doctor suspects you have neurosyphilis, you might need a test called a "lumbar puncture, " � sometimes called a "spinal tap. " � For this test, the doctor takes a small sample of fluid from the space around the spinal cord. Then the fluid is tested for the bacteria that cause syphilis. � �
Is there a test for syphilis? " � Yes. A blood test can show whether you are infected with syphilis. � �
Should I see a doctor or nurse? " � Yes, you should see a doctor or nurse if you have any of the symptoms listed above. You should also see a doctor or nurse if any of your sexual partners have been diagnosed with syphilis. Even if you have no symptoms, you could be infected. If you are infected, there are treatments to cure syphilis. � �
If you see a doctor or nurse to be checked for syphilis, he or she might want to test you for other sexually transmitted infections, too. That's because people who get one type of sexually transmitted infection are often at risk for other types. � �
How is syphilis treated? " � Syphilis is usually treated with an antibiotic called penicillin. The amount of time a person must take penicillin depends on what stage of infection they are in. People who are allergic to penicillin must take a different antibiotic. � �
After finishing treatment, some people need to be tested for syphilis to make sure they are cured. � �
Can syphilis prevented? " � You can reduce your chances of getting syphilis by: � �
- Using a latex condom every time you have sex
- Avoiding sex when you or your partner has any symptoms that could be caused by an infection
- Not having sex
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. � �
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. � �
Topic 17045 Version 5.0 � �
Release: 22.8 - C22.208 � �
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