About this topic
Syphilis is an infection you can catch during sex. This means it is a sexually-transmitted disease (STD). It is caused by a germ. The first sign of infection is a small, painless red bump. It may be seen in the genital area, on the lips, mouth, or anus. Then, this turns into a small sore. You can get infected by direct contact with the sore. If you are infected with syphilis, you may also pass it on to your baby during pregnancy. ‚
There are many stages of syphilis. If you are not treated, you will continue to have syphilis. ‚
- Early stages ¢ ˆ ’ One or more red bumps may appear. They may form an ulcer or open sore. These do not cause pain and often heal on their own. Sometimes, syphilis does not cause any signs. You may not even notice the sore or bump. You may not even know that you are infected. If you are not treated, you will move to the next stages.
- Secondary stages ¢ ˆ ’ Pink or red rashes on your body that do not itch. You may also have a sore throat and swollen glands. Some people complain of headaches and other flu-like signs. These signs may go away on their own. Without treatment, you will progress to the next stages.
- Latent stages ¢ ˆ ’ This is a hidden stage where signs from earlier stages end. This stage can last for many years and the person may have no signs of syphilis, but still has the infection in his or her body. This is why it is so important to complete your entire treatment and follow-up with your doctor after treatment.
- Late stages ¢ ˆ ’ You may develop serious health problems. There may be damage to your brain and nerves. Your eyes, heart, and blood vessels may be damaged. So can your liver, bones, and joints.
All stages of syphilis can be treated with antibiotics. It is important that you take the antibiotics correctly and finish your treatment. If it is not treated, syphilis may cause long-lasting damage or death. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Tell your sex partner(s) or those whom you had sex with in the past 3 to 6 months to get tested. They may need treatment as well. Do not have sex with them until they have completed treatment.
- Avoid sharing sex toys. If you share toys, disinfect them and cover them with a condom before use.
- Do not touch or scratch the sore. This may spread the infection to other parts of your body.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Keep these visits even if you do not have any signs.
- You will need to have a blood test a few months after your treatment to check if the infection is gone.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor will order drugs to treat infection. Take all drugs as directed by your doctor. Tell the doctor if you have an allergy to the drug. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
- Physical activity may not be limited.
- Do not have sex until you have completed the treatment and the doctor has told you it is safe to do so.
What problems could happen?
- Risk of getting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or other STDs
- Heart problems
- Brain and spinal infections
- Muscle weakness and abnormal sensations
- Passing the infection to others
- Syphilis during pregnancy may cause:
- Miscarriage
- Premature baby
- Your baby may develop serious problems
- A baby born dead (stillbirth)
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- The only sure way to keep from getting or passing on a sexually-transmitted infection is to not have sexual contact with anyone. This infection may be spread even if you do not have any signs of illness.
- Avoid contact with any sex partner known to have the infection.
- If you have sex, use latex condoms to reduce spread of infection.
- Avoid multiple sex partners. Be in a long-term monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested, is known to have no infection, and only has sex with you.
- If you are pregnant, get tested and receive prompt treatment for a syphilis infection. This will help avoid passing it to your baby.
- Get a regular check-up for STDs.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, a wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain.
- Signs of wound infection. These include swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the wound; wound opens up.
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what I can do to help avoid passing the infection to others.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a small red bump or open sore again.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever, pain with passing urine, or drainage from a wound, especially on my genitals.
Where can I learn more?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/std/syphilis/stdfact-syphilis.htm ‚
FamilyDoctor.org ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/syphilis.printerview.all.html ‚
National Organization for Rare Diseases ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/842/viewAbstract ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/841/viewAbstract ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Syphilis/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚