Can tertiary syphilis be treated?

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on December 28, 2024
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Chang Yue
General Surgery
1min 4sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
45sec home-news-image

How long does it take to cure third-stage syphilis?

The healing time for third-stage syphilis varies from person to person. Third-stage syphilis is considered a late stage of the disease, and the situation is very serious for patients who have developed to this stage. Therefore, the duration of illness for most patients is usually very long; it could be several months or even years, which also depends on the patient's level of aggressive treatment and their own immune resistance. Additionally, it is necessary to consider complications of third-stage syphilis. If there are severe complications involving cardiovascular and nervous systems, or joint damage, recovery can be very prolonged and difficult.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Luo Hong
Dermatology Department
58sec home-news-image

How long after the disappearance of a chancre does secondary syphilis occur?

Secondary syphilis generally occurs three to four weeks after the disappearance of the primary chancre, which means it often occurs 9 to 12 weeks after the infection by the Treponema pallidum. Of course, it is rare yet possible for it to appear simultaneously with the primary chancre. The main reason secondary syphilis develops is either due to untreated primary syphilis or incomplete treatment. The Treponema pallidum enters the bloodstream from the lymphatic system, causing bacteremia and spreading throughout the body, leading to systemic damage including skin and mucosal lesions, known as secondary syphilis. Common signs of secondary syphilis include erythema on the palms and soles, which is a characteristic manifestation. Another sign includes flat, moist warts around the anus and genital areas, similar to condyloma acuminatum, but these warts are flatter and less protruding.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
37sec home-news-image

Does tertiary syphilis have titers?

If one is suffering from stage three syphilis, syphilis titers will be present. However, syphilis titers do not always correlate directly with the severity of the condition. It is possible for the titers in stage one and two syphilis to be higher than in stage three. It's often the case that stage three syphilis represents the late stages of the disease, and the titers might decrease as the disease progresses into these later stages. Examples include titers such as 1:8 or 1:4, although some patients might exhibit titers of 1:16.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
58sec home-news-image

Is frequent oral ulceration related to syphilis?

Mouth ulcers are not related to syphilis. Mouth ulcers involve the breakdown of mucous membrane tissues inside the mouth, which can appear as one or several ulcerative lesions, sometimes showing a milky-white appearance, along with possible milky-white peeling. Therefore, they are not connected to syphilis, and patients are advised not to worry excessively. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that can cause ulceration throughout the body. Mouth ulcers generally occur due to internal heat or a weakened immune system in the affected individual. If a patient frequently experiences mouth ulcers, it is advisable to visit a hospital to rule out other systemic diseases. Additionally, it is important to consider whether these could be related to a deficiency in certain vitamins, so patients are advised not to be overly anxious.