What is Syphilis? Know its causes, treatments, and home remedies
2024-10-09 00:00:00
Syphilis is an infection caused by the bacteria 'T'. Syphilis pallidum is transmitted through direct contact with syphilitic blisters on the skin and mucous membranes. It is a sexually transmitted infection (STD) that can become serious if left untreated. Its infection is also spread through sexual contact with a person infected with syphilitic ulcers. The infection will not spread by touching surfaces such as door handles or tables by an infected person. Under this, blisters can occur in the vagina, anus, rectum, lips, and mouth. There is a possibility of the spread of this disease during oral, anal or vaginal sexual activity. In very rare cases, it can also be spread through kissing. Painless blisters on the genitals, rectum, mouth, or skin surface are the first sign of this infection. Some people do not even pay attention to this blister because it is painless. Sometimes these blisters heal on their own, but if left untreated, the bacteria remains in the body.
Stages of Syphilis
There are four stages of syphilis, namely primary, secondary, hidden (latent), and tertiary (late). Syphilis is most contagious in the first two stages. When syphilis is hidden or latent, the disease remains active but often causes no symptoms and is not contagious to others. The tertiary stage of syphilis is the most dangerous to health.
Primary syphilis-
The primary stage of syphilis begins three to four weeks after being infected with the bacteria. It starts with a small, round blister. This blister is painless but highly contagious. Blisters can occur wherever bacteria enters your body, such as the inside or outside of your mouth, genitals, or rectum. The blister appears three weeks after infection, but may take 10 to 90 days to appear. A blister that occurs in any part of the body lasts for two to six weeks. Syphilis is spread by direct contact with the blister. It usually occurs during sexual activity, including oral sex.
Secondary syphilis-
During the second stage of syphilis, you may have a skin rash and a sore throat. The rash is not itchy and is usually found on the palms and soles, but it can occur anywhere on the body. Some people pay attention to these rashes even before they can be cured.
Hidden (latent) syphilis-
The third stage of syphilis is the latent or hidden stage. The primary and secondary symptoms disappear, and you will not notice any symptoms at this stage. However, you still remain infected with syphilis. Symptoms of secondary syphilis may reappear or you may be infected with this stage for many years before progressing to the stage of tertiary syphilis.
Tertiary syphilis-
The final stage of infection is tertiary syphilis. About 15 to 30 percent of people who enter this stage do not get treatment for syphilis. Tertiary syphilis can last from one to ten years after being infected initially.
Symptoms of syphilis
Symptoms of syphilis in the primary stage-
- Painless small blisters
Symptoms of syphilis in the secondary stage-
- Non-itchy rash that begins in the upper part of the body and spreads throughout the body, including the palms and soles. The rash may be rough, red, or reddish brown in color.
- Wart-like blisters in the mouth, anus, and genitals
- Muscle pain
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Patchy hair loss
- Headache
- Weight loss
Fatigue, untreated secondary syphilis can progress to latent and tertiary stages.
Symptoms of syphilis in the latent stage-
The latent phase can last for many years. During this time the body becomes home to disease without symptoms.
Symptoms of syphilis in the tertiary (final) stage-
- Blindness
- Deafness
- Mental illness
- Memory loss
- Soft tissue and bone damage
- Neurological disorders such as strokes or meningitis
- Heart disease
- Neurosyphilis (an infection of the brain or spinal cord)
Causes of syphilis
- Syphilis is spread from person to person by sexual contact.
- These bacteria can enter your skin through a common injury or scratch to the mucous membrane.
- Syphilis becomes more contagious during the primary and secondary stages.
- This infection can affect the woman's unborn baby during pregnancy.
- Syphilis is not spread by touching door handles or sharing toilet seats. When syphilis is cured, it does not recur on its own. But the person can get it again by coming into contact with an infected person.
Safety measures & precautions for syphilis
- Do not stop taking your medicine or change your dose unless your doctor tells you to.
- If you are allergic to the medicine, be sure to tell your doctor.
- Don't forget to wash your hands to prevent the spread of infection.
- Use condoms for safe sex.
- Send your sexual partner to be tested for syphilis as well.
- Do not have sex for at least two weeks after treatment.
- Get tested for other STDs.
- If you suspect that your partner has an infection, go to the doctor and get a checkup.
- If you are not aware of the infection, then practice safe sex.
- It is better that you get a checkup done before conceiving.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. This problem can also pass from mother to child in the womb. Periodic checkups are very important for the safety of the unborn child. If you notice any symptoms of infection during pregnancy, contact your doctor immediately. Doctors give treatment during pregnancy to protect the baby from infection.