How to determine if you have syphilis

Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
Updated on December 31, 2024
00:00
00:00

To determine if one has syphilis, initial assessments should integrate clinical symptoms, including the presence of a chancre and syphilis rash. Subsequently, it is advised to visit an accredited hospital to undergo serological testing for syphilis, which involves the detection of both specific and non-specific antibodies of syphilis. A comprehensive evaluation of these findings can assist in diagnosing whether one is infected with syphilis. Once syphilis is confirmed, it is crucial to commence systematic and standardized treatment promptly. Generally, if both the syphilis-specific antibody test and the non-heated treponemal pallidum particle agglutination test are positive, these indicate an active syphilis infection. Treatment should be sought at a reputable medical facility, promptly utilizing penicillin for standardized treatment. If there is an allergy to penicillin, tetracycline antibiotics can be considered as an alternative.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
30sec home-news-image

Can tertiary syphilis be contagious?

Third-stage syphilis is contagious. Clinically progressing to third-stage syphilis indicates a more serious condition, and indeed, third-stage syphilis is considered late-stage. Although it is less contagious compared to first and second-stage syphilis because the titer decreases as it progresses to this stage, it remains infectious. This means it is still possible to transmit to others. Therefore, patients with third-stage syphilis should receive timely treatment.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Luo Hong
Dermatology Department
52sec home-news-image

Can syphilis antibodies be detected during the hard chancre stage?

During the hard chancre phase of syphilis, a portion of cases can test positive for Treponema pallidum, although some tests may return negative results. In such cases, it is advisable to retest after one month. The earliest detectable antibodies for Treponema pallidum are usually of two types: a Treponema pallidum-specific antibody, which appears earlier than the non-specific antibodies. There are tests for non-specific antibodies, commonly referred to as RPR or TRUST, which are standard practices in major hospitals. Therefore, in early-stage syphilis or primary syphilis with hard chancre, it is possible to find Treponema pallidum-specific antibodies positive, RPR or TRUST negative, or both negative. If syphilis is strongly suspected in such cases, a retest is recommended after one month.

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

Can tertiary syphilis be contagious?

Third-stage syphilis is contagious. Although the titers in third-stage syphilis might be lower than those in the first and second stages, it still has the ability to infect others. Moreover, third-stage syphilis can easily lead to many complications, affecting other tissues and organs of the body. Therefore, third-stage syphilis is very serious. Once third-stage syphilis occurs, one must be particularly vigilant, seek timely treatment in a reputable hospital early, enhance their immunity, and avoid having a history of unprotected sexual activity.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Luo Hong
Dermatology Department
55sec home-news-image

Gonorrhea and syphilis symptoms

Gonorrhea infection, if in males, generally presents with significant urethral irritation including symptoms such as urethral discharge, frequent urination, urgent urination, and pain during urination. However, in females with gonorrhea, it may cause increased vaginal discharge and an unusual odor, but many women with gonorrhea do not exhibit any symptoms. As for syphilis, if it is primary syphilis, ulcers may appear on the genitals, lips, or other body parts, known as chancres. In typical secondary syphilis, pinkish-red rashes may appear on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, usually without itching, although rashes may also occur on the trunk and might not be itchy. Additionally, many cases of syphilis remain latent and show no clear symptoms.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
36sec home-news-image

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.