How to determine if you have syphilis

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

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Can tertiary syphilis be transmitted to infants?

It is possible for a baby to be infected with third-stage syphilis. Third-stage syphilis is a late stage of the disease, and if a pregnant mother has third-stage syphilis, it is possible to transmit the disease to her baby through mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy and childbirth. Therefore, if you discover that you have syphilis, especially third-stage syphilis, it is crucial to receive treatment promptly to prevent transmitting it to the baby.

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Written by Zhang Jian Bo
Dermatology
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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
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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.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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What are the symptoms of syphilitic disease?

The symptoms of syphilitic disease are diverse, and syphilis is divided into early syphilis and late syphilis. In the early stages of syphilis, during the primary phase, it usually presents as a hard chancre on the genital area, without obvious pain. In secondary syphilis, it manifests as polymorphic roseola, usually appearing as patches of varying sizes on the trunk, covered with scales, with no significant itching. In tertiary or late syphilis, there can be damage to multiple systems including bones and nerves. Once syphilis is diagnosed, it is essential to treat it early. Early treatment generally leads to good outcomes, with most people recovering. If it progresses to late stages, treatment outcomes are relatively poor. The first choice of treatment for syphilis is long-acting penicillin.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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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.