Syphilis is a chronic bacterial infection that can affect many parts of the body if not treated. It is usually passed from one person to another through sexual contact, and pregnant women with syphilis can also pass the infection to their unborn child. Rarely, it can be transmitted through blood transfusions or non-sexual contact with infectious fluids.
If you are concerned about unusual rashes, genital sores, or other symptoms described below, you can get personalised advice from licensed doctors through Hope Plus. This service helps you get timely treatment, prevent complications, and protect your sexual partners.
Key Takeaways
- Syphilis progresses in stages, each with different symptoms.
- Early treatment is highly effective in curing the infection.
- Untreated syphilis can affect the skin, bones, heart, and nervous system.
- Partners should also be treated to prevent reinfection.
Causes of Syphilis
- Treponema pallidum bacteria is the cause of syphilis.
- It is mostly spread through sexual contact.
- Pregnant women with syphilis can transmit it to their unborn baby.
Symptoms of Syphilis by Stage
- Primary syphilis (10–90 days after infection): A painless sore or ulcer appears on the genitals, anus, or mouth, often with swollen nearby lymph nodes. The sore may heal on its own, but the infection continues.
- Secondary syphilis (weeks to months after primary): Symptoms can include a general rash, lesions in the mouth or genitals, warty growths in moist areas, fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and sometimes liver or joint problems.
- Early latent syphilis (less than 1 year): No symptoms, but infection can relapse.
- Late latent syphilis: No symptoms, less infectious, but still possible to pass to a baby during pregnancy.
- Tertiary (late) syphilis: May appear years later, affecting the skin, bones, heart, or nervous system, potentially causing severe complications like aneurysms, nerve damage, or dementia.
How Syphilis is Diagnosed
- Non-treponemal tests (VDRL or RPR): Screening tests that detect antibodies; they usually become positive 4–6 weeks after infection.
- Treponemal tests (TPHA): Confirm a positive screening test and remain positive even after treatment, indicating past infection rather than active disease.
Treatment of Syphilis
- Primary, secondary, and early latent syphilis:
- Benzathine penicillin 2.4 million IU injection, administered once, half into each buttock
- Or doxycycline 100 mg taken every 12 hours for 14 days (if penicillin is not suitable)
- Late latent syphilis or syphilis of uncertain duration (without nervous system involvement):
- Benzathine penicillin 2.4 million IU injection administered weekly for 3 weeks
- Or doxycycline 100 mg every 12 hours for 28 days
- Neurosyphilis (infection affecting the nervous system):
- Benzylpenicillin 4 million IU IV every 4 hours for 10–14 days
- Or ceftriaxone 2 g IV or IM daily for 10–14 days
- Followed by benzathine penicillin 2.4 million IU weekly for 3 weeks
Important Notes for Patients
- Sexual partners should also receive treatment.
- Avoid sexual contact during treatment and for 10 days after completing medication.
- Early treatment can prevent serious complications and long-term health problems.
- Follow-up appointments may be recommended to ensure the infection is fully cleared.
Syphilis is highly treatable when detected early. Knowing the signs, seeking timely care, and ensuring partners are treated are the best ways to protect your health and that of your loved ones.
