How to test for AIDS and syphilis?

Written by Xie Ming Feng

Dermatology

Updated on September 25, 2024

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If you have engaged in high-risk sexual behaviors, or suspect that you might have contracted HIV or syphilis for any other reason, then it is necessary to go to a qualified hospital in a timely manner for blood tests to check for syphilis antibodies, syphilis titers, and HIV antibodies. If the syphilis antibody test is positive and the titer is high, timely treatment should be sought. If the HIV antibody test is positive, then it is necessary to visit a disease control center or a medical institution designated by the government for further confirmatory tests to either rule out or confirm HIV infection.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan

Dermatology

56sec

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What are the initial symptoms of syphilis?

The initial symptoms of syphilis typically refer to the symptoms of primary and secondary syphilis. The symptoms of primary syphilis mainly include a chancre, usually a single superficial ulcer located at the genital area with a clear border, scant discharge, no pain, and no tenderness. Serological tests would show a positive result for Treponema pallidum. Some patients may also experience local lymph node enlargement. In secondary syphilis, patients often develop papules, macules, and vesicles on the skin, and symmetrical copper-red macules appear on the hands and feet. For the treatment of syphilis infection, penicillin is primarily chosen. If there is an allergy to penicillin, macrolide antibiotics can be used as an alternative. It is crucial to treat syphilis promptly after infection.

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Written by Li Chang Yue

General Surgery

1min 4sec

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Is cervical lymphadenopathy related to syphilis?

Enlargement of cervical lymph nodes is somewhat related to syphilis. Although cervical lymph node enlargement is not necessarily solely caused by syphilis, if syphilis progresses to its secondary or tertiary stages, it tends to cause lymph node enlargement, and severe cases may even lead to ulceration. This happens because after a syphilis infection, immune responses in the lymph cells are triggered by the Treponema pallidum, leading to the enlargement of cervical lymph nodes, and also possibly the lymph nodes under the arms and in the groin area. In such cases, it is advised to seek timely medical attention, complete the necessary immunological testing, and ensure an accurate diagnosis of syphilis. If cervical lymph node enlargement occurs, prolonged treatment with penicillin should be administered, as it effectively controls the Treponema pallidum and can help reduce the severity of the lymph node enlargement.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan

Dermatology

1min 4sec

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Early symptoms of syphilis

Syphilis is a chronic, systemic sexually transmitted disease caused by the Treponema pallidum bacterium. It is highly contagious and very harmful. The early symptoms of syphilis usually include the appearance of a chancre. Typically, about three weeks after infection, a hard, painless, round nodule appears at the site of infection. It starts as a reddish, moist spot, then gradually becomes ulcerated and eroded, forming an ulcer. This is an early manifestation of syphilis, known as a chancre. The harm caused by syphilis is very significant. Once syphilis is diagnosed, it is crucial to start treatment early. Early prevention of syphilis is essential, and any early symptoms should be taken very seriously. Treatment can be administered under a doctor's guidance, usually involving the muscle injection of long-acting penicillin. (Under the guidance of a doctor for medication.)

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Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

52sec

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Can tertiary syphilis be treated?

Third-stage syphilis is treatable, but typically, it develops two to three years after the initial syphilis infection, making it more severe than both the first and second stages—this is what we refer to as late-stage syphilis. Therefore, treating third-stage syphilis is somewhat more challenging than treating the first and second stages. Additionally, third-stage syphilis particularly tends to cause damage to cardiovascular, neurological, joint, and other organ systems. If it leads to severe complications, it can easily result in deformities, disabilities, or even death. Therefore, it is crucial to be especially vigilant if diagnosed with third-stage syphilis and to seek timely treatment at a hospital.

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Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

40sec

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How should tertiary syphilis be managed?

The treatment and management of tertiary syphilis is a challenging process since it is a late stage of the disease, affecting the skin, bones, mucous membranes, cardiovascular system, nerves, and potentially triggering diseases in various bodily systems. For managing tertiary syphilis, it is recommended to consume high-protein and high-vitamin foods such as apples, bananas, green vegetables, and radishes. It is crucial to seek timely medical treatment at a hospital and address any complications that arise, which can help in gradually managing and alleviating the condition of tertiary syphilis.