Can tertiary syphilis be transmitted?

Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

Updated on April 14, 2025

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Third-stage syphilis is contagious, but its infectivity is weaker compared to first-stage and second-stage syphilis. However, the damage caused by third-stage syphilis is very severe, often causing damage to tissues and organ functions. It can potentially cause disabilities, deformities, or even life-threatening conditions. Therefore, the characteristic of third-stage syphilis is its weak infectivity but strong damaging effects. Thus, it is crucial to take third-stage syphilis seriously and seek regular and timely treatment.

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Written by Zhang Jian Bo

Dermatology

58sec

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What are the early symptoms of syphilis?

Syphilis is divided into overt and latent syphilis. Latent syphilis, regardless of whether it is early or late stage, shows no symptoms at all and can only be confirmed by blood testing. The symptoms in the early stage are mainly those of overt syphilis, primarily manifestations of primary syphilis. The stages of primary, secondary, and tertiary syphilis begin with the appearance of a lesion at the site of infection, typically about 0.5 to 1 centimeter in diameter, with a hard, dark red nodule that feels like cartilage. The surface may have ulcers; it may be painless, or there may be no pain at all. Subsequently, nearby lymph nodes may become enlarged. This swelling of the lymph nodes is characterized by being painless, usually unilateral, with no redness or rupture. These are the clear symptoms of overt primary syphilis. If treated properly at this stage, recovery is generally rapid.

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Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

1min 12sec

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Symptoms of tertiary syphilis

Tertiary syphilis is the most severe stage of syphilis. The most common skin and mucosal damage in tertiary syphilis appears on the scalp, scapula, back, and the extensor sides of the limbs, where nodular syphilitic rashes can be observed, and gummatous swellings can also be seen on the lower legs. Apart from damaging the skin and mucous membranes, tertiary syphilis can also harm the cardiovascular and nervous systems. If the cardiovascular system is affected, it can cause problems in the aortic arch, leading to aortic valve insufficiency and syphilitic heart disease. If the nervous system is involved, it can cause neurosyphilis, manifesting as syphilitic meningitis, cerebrovascular syphilis, meningeal gumma, paralytic dementia, and more. In summary, once afflicted with tertiary syphilis, patients can exhibit a variety of clinical symptoms such as increased intracranial pressure, headaches, sensory abnormalities, ataxia, paralytic dementia, and localized brain compression, among other symptoms.

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Written by Zeng Zhong

Urology

37sec

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Can urethritis syphilis recur?

Urethritis and syphilis can both recur. Urethritis is primarily due to bacterial cleansing, leading to inflammatory infection of the urinary tract. If personal hygiene is not maintained, it can cause recurrence of urethritis, or the presence of other urinary system diseases may also lead to its recurrence. A relapse of syphilis refers to the condition where, after treatment, the titer is controlled below 1:4, but during an intermittent observation period, the titer rises again, and the proportion of increase is relatively high. This situation is considered a recurrence of syphilis.

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Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

53sec

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Can third stage syphilis be detected?

Third-stage syphilis can be detected. Syphilis is divided into primary, secondary, and tertiary stages, with the severity progressively increasing from the primary to tertiary stage, making tertiary syphilis a relatively advanced and serious condition. It can be detected by measuring the titers in serum, although the titers in tertiary syphilis may be lower than in the primary and secondary stages, and may sometimes present as negative. However, through the symptoms of tertiary syphilis, particularly some complications affecting the skin, cardiovascular system, bones, joints, and other organs, combined with the titer levels, it can definitely be detected.

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Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

36sec

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How long is the latency period for tertiary syphilis?

The latency period of tertiary syphilis is not clearly defined, but it is certain that once tertiary syphilis appears, the duration of illness in patients generally exceeds two to three years, meaning the latency period is at least two to three years long. Of course, some patients may reach five to ten years. This depends on each individual's resistance as well as the virulence and amount of the virus. Additionally, if one contracts tertiary syphilis, it is crucial to seek timely and proper treatment, as it may be life-threatening.