Syphilis is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection that causes a sore and is often termed "chancres." Common modes of transmission are through unprotected sex, from mother to fetus in utero, and through blood transfusion.
If left untreated, syphilis does have the potential to cause serious damage—neck and brain damage, and even complications in other body tissues are possible. Throughout the course of the disease, a person suffering from syphilis can manifest a wide range of very varied symptoms at any given time.
02 October 2024
4 min read
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All About Syphilis Sore (Chancre)
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection that causes a sore and is often termed "chancres." Common modes of transmission are through unprotected sex, from mother to fetus in utero, and through blood transfusion.
If left untreated, syphilis does have the potential to cause serious damage—neck and brain damage, and even complications in other body tissues are possible. Throughout the course of the disease, a person suffering from syphilis can manifest a wide range of very varied symptoms at any given time.
Stages and Symptoms of Syphilis
There are four notable stages in the development of syphilis, each with its own set of symptoms.
Primary Stage: The Chancre Appears
The first stage is characterized by the presence of one painless sore, usually called a chancre. The blister-like sore is generally found on the genital areas and points to the site of entry for the infection. Other easy targets are the mucous membranes, such as those lining the mouth and throat. In most instances, the infection is spread through direct contact with the sore.
Over a period of 2-3 weeks, the chancre starts to grow and usually heals on its own in 3-6 weeks. Even though the sore disappears, the disease enters its secondary stage if it is not treated.
Secondary Stage: Syphilis, The Great Pretender
The second stage of syphilis follows the initial appearance of a chancre 4-10 weeks later. During this stage, syphilis can masquerade as almost any other disease, which earned it another nickname, "the great pretender."
Symptoms during this stage are varied and can include the following: aching joints, muscle pains, fever, headache, symptoms similar to those of the flu, patchy hair loss, swollen lymph nodes, body rash, sore throat, and a loss of appetite.
Latent Stage: The Dormant Period
During the latent stage, the infection becomes quiescent. During the first year after infection, syphilis becomes inactive but is still contagious. Pregnant women with this infection can transmit it to their unborn child. Besides, some reports do exist concerning cases of transmission through transfusion.
Tertiary Stage: Disease Progression to Severe Symptoms
The tertiary stage is said to occur after years of latent infection and creates serious risks to bones, heart, skin, and the brain. The disease is still curable with penicillin in this stage, although resistance is common nowadays.
If syphilis is left untreated at this stage, severe symptoms may be present, such as dementia, numbness, paralysis, blindness, stroke, heart disease, skin rashes, loss of coordination, and deafness, which can ultimately lead to death.
Curing Syphilis
Fortunately, syphilis is usually treatable through antibiotics. For more severe stages, a single dose of penicillin normally cures the infection. In cases where a person is allergic to penicillin, other alternative drugs include doxycycline and azithromycin.
Blood tests are very vital in ensuring that the infection is completely cleared off, and sexual relations are strongly discouraged during the period when the sores are still healing.
Putting the Record Straight: How Syphilis Cannot Be Transmitted
Contrary to popular myths, syphilis cannot be acquired through casual contact with a toilet seat, doorknob, swimming pool, clothes, silverware, or bathtub.
Basic Facts About Syphilis
Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum.
The infection can enter through mucous membranes and abraded skin.
Men are more susceptible to acquiring the infection than women.
The highest rate of syphilis infection occurs among the age group 15 to 39 years.
The most common mode of transmission is through sexual activity, hence the most commonly affected area is the genital.
Syphilis sometimes occurs in the oral cavity too.
Prevention is Key
Remember, the best way to protect yourself from syphilis, and most other STDs, is by using condoms correctly every time, getting tested frequently, and staying in a mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known not to be infected.
Being informed about the course and symptoms of syphilis, and getting treated in due time, prevents the disease from developing into its later—and most dangerous—stages. After all, knowledge is the first step to prevention.
Conclusion
While the mild symptoms of syphilis may only manifest at the beginning, such as the chancre sore, its effects can be very extreme on the body once the infection has reached the final stages. It can only be prevented by early medical examination, responsible sexual behavior, and good awareness of its stages and symptoms. Always consult a health professional if you feel at risk.
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