Syphilis - Symptoms & Treatment

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Syphilis is sometimes called "the great imitator. It is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Syphilis is passed from person to person through direct contact with a syphilis sore. Sores occur mainly on the external genitals, vagina, anus, or in the rectum. Sores also can occur on the lips and in the mouth. Transmission of the organism occurs during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Pregnant women with the disease can pass it to the babies they are carrying. The first symptom of primary syphilis is often a small, round, firm ulcer called a chancre ("shanker") at the place where the bacteria entered your body. The bacteria can enter the body through the penis, anus, vagina, mouth, or through broken skin. An infected pregnant woman can also pass the disease to her unborn child. This place is usually the penis, vulva, or vagina, but chancres can also develop on the cervix, tongue, lips, or other parts of your body.

Syphilis is not spread by contact with toilet seats, doorknobs, swimming pools, hot tubs, bathtubs, shared clothing, or eating utensils.Syphilis typically has three stages - primary, secondary, and late (tertiary). There are different symptoms at each stage of the infection. Syphilis, which is caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum, typically first appears as a sore on the area where there has been sexual contact with the infected person. If the infection goes untreated, it can progress to affect the entire body. It has often been called "the great imitator" because so many of the signs and symptoms are indistinguishable from those of other diseases. In general, painless sores and swollen lymph nodes are symptoms of primary syphilis. Those with secondary syphilis may also have fever, fatigue, aches and pains, and loss of appetite, among other symptoms. Tertiary syphilis causes heart, brain, and nervous system problems.

Causes of Syphilis

Common causes of Syphilis

• Bacteria (Treponema pallidum).
• Sexually contact with another infected person.

Symptoms of Syphilis

Common Symptoms of Syphilis

• Fever.
• Aches and pains.
• Loss of appetite.
• Swollen lymph glands.
• Sore throat.
• Patchy hair loss.
• Headaches.
• Weight loss.
• Muscle aches.
• Fatigue.
• Tiredness.

Treatment of Syphilis

Common Treatment of Syphilis

• Antibiotics( penicillin, doxycycline). are used to treat syphilis.
• Alternative treatments (only for nonpregnant, penicillin-allergic patients) - 2-week course of doxycycline 100 mg PO bid, tetracycline 500 mg PO qid, or erythromycin base 500 mg PO qid.
• Azithromycin has been used as an alternative. It has been suggested that penicillin-allergic patients be desensitized in order to receive standard drug therapy.
• Pain relievers (such as aspirin, acetaminophen , or ibuprofen ).and liquids can help.
• Avoid passing syphilis on to her unborn child by getting tested and treated for the disease during pregnancy.

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