How do you know if you have syphilis?

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. The disease progresses through different stages, and symptoms may vary at each stage.

Stages and symptoms of syphilis 🌡️

1. Primary stage (3-90 days after infection) 🚩

•⁠ ⁠ Chancre (ulcus durum): One or more painless, hard ulcers at the site where the bacteria entered the body, usually on the genitals, in the anus or mouth.
•⁠ ⁠ Swollen lymph nodes: Often near the chancre, e.g. in the groin.

2. Secondary stage (weeks to months after the chancre) 🚩

•⁠ ⁠Rash: Common on the palms and soles of the feet, but can occur anywhere on the body. The rash is not itchy.
•⁠ ⁠Mucous membrane lesions: Wart-like growths, especially in the genital area or on the mucous membranes.
•⁠ ⁠Fever: A mild fever may occur.
•⁠ ⁠Fatigue: feeling of exhaustion.
•⁠ ⁠Headache and muscle pain: General pain and discomfort.
•⁠ ⁠Hair loss (alopecia): Irregular hair loss, especially on the head.
•⁠ ⁠Weight loss: Unintentional loss of weight.

3. Latent stage (asymptomatic phase) 🔄

•⁠ ⁠Early latent phase: Up to one year after infection, no symptoms, but the bacteria are present in the body.
•⁠ ⁠Late latent phase: Can last for years, no symptoms, but the bacteria remain active and can lead to serious complications later.

4. Tertiary stage (years to decades after infection) 🚩
•⁠ ⁠Gummas: Soft, tumor-like growths on the skin, bones and internal organs.
•⁠ ⁠Cardiovascular syphilis: aortic aneurysms and insufficiencies.
•⁠ ⁠Neurosyphilis: Can cause a variety of neurological problems, including:

- Tabes dorsalis: Damage to the spinal cord nerves, leading to loss of coordination and pain.

- Progressive paralysis: psychological changes and cognitive impairments.

When should you see a doctor? 🏥
•⁠ ⁠Early symptoms: The appearance of a painless ulcer on the genitals, mouth or anus, or skin rashes.
•⁠ ⁠Late symptoms: If you have neurological or cardiovascular symptoms or other serious health problems.

Diagnosis of syphilis 🔍
•⁠ ⁠Blood tests : Treponemal and non-treponemal tests to confirm infection.
•⁠ ⁠Direct detection: dark field microscopy or PCR to examine fluid from chancres.

Treatment 💊
•⁠ ⁠Antibiotics: Penicillin is the drug of choice for all stages of syphilis.
•⁠ ⁠Early stages: A single injection of penicillin G can cure the infection.
•⁠ ⁠Late stages: Multiple doses are required and a longer duration of treatment is necessary.

Prevention 🛡️
•⁠ ⁠ Safe sex: Use of condoms.
•⁠ ⁠ Regular testing: Especially for risk groups.
•⁠ Partner notification and treatment: Important to prevent re-infection