Is tertiary syphilis highly contagious?

Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

Updated on December 06, 2024

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The infectivity of tertiary syphilis is not very high, although it still possesses relatively weak contagiousness. Syphilis in its primary and secondary stages often shows high titers in tests and has stronger infectivity, while tertiary syphilis has reduced infectivity. However, tertiary syphilis can easily lead to various complications, including damage to tissues and organs, making it more harmful than the primary and secondary stages. Therefore, it is crucial to treat tertiary syphilis promptly.

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Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

31sec

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Is third-stage syphilis contagious?

Third-stage syphilis is infectious, but its contagiousness is relatively weak compared to first-stage and second-stage syphilis. The titers detected in third-stage syphilis are usually lower, so its infectiousness is comparatively minor. However, third-stage syphilis still has the capability to infect others. Therefore, patients with third-stage syphilis must actively seek treatment and refrain from having sexual relations with others, while also enhancing their own immunity.

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Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

39sec

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Can third-stage syphilis still be cured?

Third-stage syphilis can still possibly be cured, but this varies from person to person and is not absolute. Usually, when syphilis develops to the third stage, it indicates a more severe infection and is considered late-stage. Additionally, third-stage syphilis is particularly prone to causing cardiovascular, neurological, and musculoskeletal damages, which are complications. Therefore, treating third-stage syphilis is much more challenging compared to the first and second stages. It is crucial to treat and diagnose it early.

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Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

43sec

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Can you still have children with third-stage syphilis?

Third-stage syphilis is the most severe stage of the disease, and it is not possible to have children if one has third-stage syphilis, because syphilis can be transmitted from mother to fetus. The infectivity is particularly strong during the third stage. If a child is conceived at this time, it could lead to stillbirth. Besides stillbirth, even if the child is born by chance, they may have abnormal development or be born with diseases. This is tremendously painful and tormenting for both the parent and child. Therefore, one cannot have children with third-stage syphilis.

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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 Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

45sec

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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.