What are the symptoms of syphilis?
Syphilis cases are rising at an alarming rate.
What is Syphilis?
- Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum
- Transmission occurs through:
- direct contact with an infectious lesion
- blood transfusion
- from a pregnant woman to her foetus
- Serious health problems can result if left untreated including brain, eye and heart issues It is easily treated with antibiotics, especially if caught early on.
How do I know if I have syphilis?
- Symptoms can take 3 weeks to appear after infection
Initial symptoms include:
- a painless sore around your mouth or genital region (internally or externally) which can heal spontaneously within 6 weeks
Without treatment syphilis can progress to secondary and tertiary syphilis.
Secondary syphilis occurs 6 seeks after the initial infection with symptoms including:
- painless, non itchy red rash on the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet, chest or back
- fever
- sore throat
- patchy hair loss
Tertiary syphilis can occur 10-30 years after initial infection. It is very rare and can affect multiple organs including:
- brain
- nerves
- eyes
- heart.
What do I do if I think I have syphilis?
- You should seek advice from a sexual health clinic
- Testing usually involves a blood test; diagnoses can also be made from testing fluid from a syphilis sore.
