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Syphilis is a highly contagious sexually transmitted infection that can cause serious health issues if it is not treated during the early stages of the disease. Syphilis can start on a localized area of the skin (stage 1); progress to wide involvement of the skin (stage 2); and years later invade the heart and liver (stage 3). Finally, it can involve the brain (stage 4) if left undiagnosed and untreated.
Syphilis is caused by a spiral-shaped bacteria called Treponema pallidum
Syphilis is transmitted through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person. Infection can occur even when sores are not noticed. Because early sores are often painless and transient, many people may unknowingly spread or contract syphilis.
Signs and symptoms of syphilis depend on the stage of the disease. The disease is classified into the following 4 stages:
Syphilis can initially present as a single or multiple small painless sores on the genital area. At this stage of the disease, an infected individual may not notice or take the sores seriously since they will heal over a few weeks even if they are not diagnosed and treated.
Unfortunately, the sores may recur as a widespread rash 2 to 8 weeks later after the initial genital sore outbreak.
Syphilis at stage 1 or 2 is still treatable and easy to diagnose by an experienced physician.
Stage 3 and stage 4 of syphilis occur years after undiagnosed and untreated stage 1-2 syphilis.
If syphilis is not treated in stage 1 or 2, the disease can progress to the heart ( stage 3), and later the brain can be attacked and damaged (stage 4) with poor response to the current treatments available.
At that time, a victim of these tiny bacteria can present symptoms of inner organ and brain disease/ failure. Unfortunately, there is little that we can do if the disease attacks the inner organs and the brain. Early diagnosis and treatment of syphilis is essential.
If you have a sore on the genital area or scattered bumps on your body, you may want to give us a call to be seen, tested, and treated if the diagnosis of syphilis is made. You don’t want to be diagnosed when you have heart and brain disease as the result of a syphilis infection!!!
The first step in making a correct diagnosis is to find a doctor that has experience with STDs. Obtaining a comprehensive medical and social history and examining the patient can raise suspicion of this disease. If you have any genital sore (stage 1) or scattered skin lesions (stage 2), then the diagnosis of syphilis may be confirmed by testing fluid obtained from these skin lesions. Based on the stage of syphilis, multiple different types of blood tests can also confirm the diagnosis with anywhere between 80% to 100% accuracy.
You may transfer this infection to your sex partner, and neither of you may be aware of it until the disease is advanced. At OC MedDerm, we will educate you about the risks and offer treatment to your sex partner if needed.
Syphilis is highly curable with the right antibiotic therapy. Early treatment typically requires a single dose, while later stages may require multiple doses. Most patients recover fully when treated promptly.
Abstaining from vaginal, anal, or oral sex completely eliminates the risk of syphilis infection.
If you are sexually active, you can do the following to diminish your risk:
As mentioned above, early syphilis can present with a small, painless sore in the genital area, and an infected person may never be aware of being infected and positive for syphilis. Therefore, in a sexual relationship, it is difficult to find out who gave it to whom and when. Dr. Shafa recommends that sex partners be open-minded regarding this rising STD in the U.S. and be happy that the treatment of syphilis is very easy and highly successful if it is caught in the early stages of the disease.
Dr. Shafa recommends that both sex partners be tested and treated at the same time. Both sex partners should also be retested 3 months after the treatment of syphilis infection to ensure it has completely resolved.
There is a high chance that you can be infected with more than one STD at the same time. This is because open sores allow other bacteria or viruses to invade the body. Therefore, it is wise that you and your sex partner be tested for all other silent STDs if you are positive for one.
Dr. Shafa recommends that any patient with one STD be tested for all other common STDs. This is done for the patient’s and the doctor’s peace of mind.
If you notice a painless genital sore, a new body rash, unexplained bumps, or flu-like illness after sexual activity, contact OC MedDerm immediately for confidential evaluation and testing.
Phone: (949) 551-1113
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Primary syphilis may present with a painless sore, while secondary syphilis can cause a rash. Testing is required for an accurate diagnosis.
Yes — syphilis is curable with antibiotics in the early stages. Later stages may be harder to treat and can result in permanent damage if untreated.
Yes. Sexual partners should be evaluated and treated as needed to prevent reinfection and further spread.
Yes. OC MedDerm provides fully confidential syphilis testing, diagnosis, and counseling.
Retesting is usually recommended around 3 months after treatment to confirm cure. Your provider will advise the exact timing based on your case.
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