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Syphilis
What is syphilis and how is it transmitted?
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium treponoma pallidum. It is rare in the UK, only effecting about 16,000 people a year, but more common in other parts of the world. In women, the most commonly affected age group is the under 25s. Male syphilis sufferers most frequently fall in the 35 to 39 age group.
It is usually contracted through sexual intercourse or oral sex. But there is a small risk of catching it through skin to skin contact with the infected area. A pregnant woman with this STD can pass it onto the unborn child.
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What does syphilis look like?
The first stage of syphilis is defined by small, round sores which appear on the infected area (usually the genitals).
In the second stage, a reddish brown rash will appear on the palms of the hand and soles of the feet.
See here for pictures of syphilis and carry on reading below for more about the symptoms of this disease.
The symptoms and health effects of syphilis
Primary syphilis - Syphilis sometimes has no visible symptoms, but most of the time suffers will notice the appearance of small circular sores two to three weeks after the infection has occurred. The sores are painless and normally will first appear on the genital area, but can also appear around the mouth. These sores, known as chancres, will disappear on their own accord after around 6 weeks. If treatment is not sought, syphilis will progress to the second stage.
Secondary syphilis – The second stage of syphilis is characterized by a reddish brown rash appearing on the soles of the feet and palms of the hand. This appears within a couple of months of the chancres healing.
There will also be other signs of infection such as lesions, fever, joint pain and swollen lymph nodes.
Tertiary syphilis – If still left untreated, syphilis will start to affect the vital organs. Over the course of several years sufferers may experience increasing blindness, memory loss, muscle spasms as well as other complications relating to the brain, kidneys, lungs and heart. In the worst case scenario, these complications can be life threatening.
Pregnant women with syphilis are at high risk of miscarriage, still births or premature labour. Congenital syphilis can be passed onto the baby and often results in deformities, brain damage, blindness and seizures.
If a person in the first stages of syphilis comes into contact with the HIV virus they are at much greater risk of catching this too, as the chancres provide an easy entry point for the HIV virus.
Treatment for syphilis
If an STD test identifies syphilis in the early stages of the disease, it is very easy to treat with one injection of penicillin. In the tertiary stage, several intramuscular injections may be needed. Although the penicillin will cure the syphilis is cannot reverse the damaging effects caused by the disease if it was left untreated for a long time.
Current and recent sexual partners should also be given treatment for the infection. Understandably, most people find it difficult to bring up the subject of STIs with previous sexual partners. A sexual health advisor can give support and advice and some clinics will send out letters on a patient's behalf.
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