Syphilis Symptoms and Treatment

Syphilis is the most deadly of the bacterial venereal diseases, with around 12 million new cases reported each year. It is passed from person to person through direct contact with infected sores. If the disease is treated in time, a course of antibiotics will cure it completely. If it is not treated in time, however, symptoms will return in their advanced form many years later.

After infection, the bacteria travels through the body in the bloodstream and damages vital organs such as the brain, heart, spine and nervous system. Left untreated, it can be fatal.

Syphilis is sometimes called “the great imitator” because so many of its symptoms are the same as those of other diseases. In addition, they always appear in three stages, starting in the first 12 weeks after infection, when red lesions appear on the vaginal labia, penis, anus and sometimes on the mouth. These disappear again after a week.

Then up to 6 months after infection, syphilis symptoms include:

• The hands, chest, back, legs, arms, and soles of the feet develop a red rash
• A high fever appears
• Muscles become exhausted
• Sufferer has a sore throat
• Infection causes an overall feeling of discomfort

Anyone experiencing these symptoms should contact their doctor immediately. The disease can remain hidden in the body and return up to 20 years later, and at this stage the symptoms will include paralysis, insanity, heart failure and possibly death.

If you think you may have syphilis, your doctor can perform a quick and painless blood test to find out for sure. If you receive a positive diagnosis, avoid sexual activity for at least two months after treatment and use latex condoms thereafter.

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