Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It is spread by from person to person through unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex when contact with the syphilitic sore is made. It can also be spread by sharing needles with someone who is infected. The symptoms of syphilis are broad and depend on the stage of infection detailed below.
This is the first stage after infection and is usually marked by the presence of a single sore or 'chancre' at the site where the bacterium entered the body. This chancre is frequently painless, firm, round, and small and may appear anywhere from 10 to 90 days after infection. This sore will last for 3-6 weeks and will disappear without treatment. The infection then moves to stage 2, called secondary syphilis.
At this stage many symptoms can be experienced. Typically red or red/brown spots appear on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet but these can appear anywhere on the body and may even be so mild that they can be missed altogether. When present the rash is usually not itchy and can appear either concurrently with the presence of the chancre or just as the chancre has healed. In addition to the rash, other symptoms can include night sweats, fever, sore throat, swollen glands, headaches, patches of hair loss, muscular aches and fatigue. Left untreated, these symptoms usually resolve themselves and the individual can enter the latent (hidden) stage of infection. This can last for years and the individual may not show any outward symptoms. Latent stage syphilis is common in Australia. Left untreated again, the disease may progress to the tertiary stage.
Tertiary syphilis is rare and is characterised by the eventual damage the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones, and joints. Signs and symptoms of the late stage of syphilis include difficulty coordinating muscle movements, paralysis, numbness, gradual blindness, and dementia. This damage can be serious enough to cause death.
In addition to the tell-tale rash, syphilis is diagnosed with a blood test. Your doctor, upon consultation with you, can order this test for you. At Holdsworth House Medical Practice, this test can be performed confidentially on the day of your consultation. You are then required to return for follow up on the results within a week.
Syphilis is treated with a course of antibiotics given either as an injection into the muscle or as tablets to be taken orally. The primary choice for treatment is penicillin but the alternatives of doxycycline, ceftriaxone or tetracycline can also be used if allergies to penicillin are of concern. Even if you have had syphilis in the past and were treated, you can get the disease again if you have sex with someone who has it. This is why regular sexual health checks are a good idea.
Sexual partners should be tested, even if they have no symptoms. Sex should be avoided for 7 days after treatment – if you can't do this then use a condom. If your symptoms continue even after receiving treatment please return to your doctor at Holdsworth House Medical Practice to be re-evaluated.
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