Syphilis – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment: What Are the Stages and How to Stop It Before It Spreads
MaNaDr2021-09-07
Syphilis is a complex and highly contagious sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Often called “the great imitator” due to its ability to mimic other diseases, syphilis progresses through distinct stages, each with its own set of syphilis symptoms. If left untreated syphilis can lead to severe and irreversible damage to major organs, including the brain, heart, and nerves.
1. What Is Syphilis and How Does It Spread?
1.1. What Is Syphilis?
Often referred to as a “transmitted disease syphilis” or “syphilis sex disease,” it progresses through distinct stages if left untreated, starting with a localized infection that can then spread throughout the bloodstream. This systemic nature means syphilis can impact virtually any organ in the body, which is why understanding “what is syphilis caused by” – the specific bacterium Treponema pallidum – is vital. Knowing that syphilis bacteria is the root cause emphasizes the need for antibiotic treatment.
1.2. How Does It Spread?
Understanding how is syphilis transmitted is key to prevention. The primary mode of syphilis transmission is direct contact with a syphilis sore (called a chancre) during sexual activity. This direct contact can occur during:
Vaginal sex: Contact with chancres on the vagina, cervix, or penis.
Anal sex: Contact with chancres in or around the anus or rectum.
Oral sex: Contact with chancres on the mouth, lips, or throat.
The bacteria can enter the body through minor cuts or abrasions in the skin or mucous membranes.
Can you get syphilis from kissing?
For those wondering “can you get syphilis from kissing?” the answer is: while less common than sexual intercourse, syphilis can be transmitted through deep or open-mouthed kissing if a chancre is present on the lips or in the mouth of the infected person. However, casual contact like hugging, sharing food, or using toilet seats does not spread syphilis. The bacteria cannot survive for long outside the human body, so direct, intimate contact with a sore is necessary.
How else is syphilis transmitted?
Beyond direct sexual contact, syphilis can be passed from an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy or childbirth. This is known as congenital syphilis and can have severe, life-threatening consequences for the newborn, including developmental delays, bone deformities, and other serious health problems. It’s crucial for pregnant individuals to be screened and treated if infected. For those asking “how do you get syphilis” or “how do you catch syphilis,” it is almost exclusively through these direct routes of transmission involving contact with a syphilis sore or from mother to child.
1.3. How Common is Syphilis?
Syphilis has seen a concerning resurgence in recent years, highlighting its persistent threat to public health. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), after decades of decline, syphilis rates in the United States have been increasing dramatically.
Most alarmingly, rates of congenital syphilis—when syphilis is passed from a pregnant person to their baby – have also surged, reaching over 3,700 cases in 2022, leading to preventable stillbirths and infant deaths. This stark rise underscores the critical importance of early screening and treatment during pregnancy (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). These numbers emphasize why understanding what is syphilis and its transmission is more crucial now than ever.
2. What Are the Symptoms of Syphilis in Men and Women?
The syphilis stages dictate the progression of syphilis symptoms, which can be subtle or easily mistaken for other conditions. Recognizing these symptoms of syphilis is crucial for early detection and treatment. The phrase “symptoms from syphilis” encompasses a wide range of manifestations, from initial sores to widespread rashes and internal damage.
2.1. Early Stage Syphilis: The Primary Symptoms
The first indication of syphilis is typically a chancre, which appears during the primary syphilis stage. This is often the first sign syphilis presents.
Syphilis Chancre: A small, firm, round, typically painless sore. It usually appears where bacteria entered the body (e.g., genitals, anus, mouth). Its painless nature makes it easily overlooked. It can appear as a syphilis ulcer or syphilis sore.
Appearance Timeline: Develops 10 to 90 days (typically 3 weeks) after exposure.
Healing: Heals spontaneously in 3 to 6 weeks, even without syphilis treatment. However, this does not mean the infection is gone; it progresses to the next stage.
If you notice any unusual sores or syphilis bumps, even painless ones, get them checked.
If you notice any unusual sores or syphilis bumps on your genitals, anus, or mouth, even if they’re painless, it’s vital to get them checked.
2.2. Syphilis Symptoms: A Gendered Comparison
The presentation of syphilis symptoms can vary in location and ease of detection between men and women, especially in the early stages. The table below compares the key manifestations:
Expert Insight: A common myth regarding syphilis symptoms is that “you’ll always know if you have syphilis because its sores or rashes are very painful and obvious.” Public health experts caution that the crucial fact is the primary syphilis chancre is typically painless and can develop in hidden areas (like the rectum, cervix, or deep in the throat), making it easily missed. Furthermore, the secondary syphilis rash might not itch and can mimic various other skin conditions, leading to misdiagnosis. This “great imitator” nature of syphilis means many individuals progress through early stages unaware, underscoring why testing after potential exposure, regardless of symptoms, is vital.
If you’re unsure about any unusual sores, rashes, or other potential signs and symptoms of syphilis disease, it’s important to seek medical advice. MaNaDr offers a discreet and convenient way to consult with doctors about your health concerns, helping you clarify what might be going on without delay.
3. Syphilis Stages: What It Looks Like and What Happens If Untreated
3.1. Primary Syphilis: The Deceptive Chancre
The hallmark of primary syphilis is the chancre, which is the initial syphilis sore that develops at the site where the bacteria entered the body. Its visual presentation is key, but often misleading:
Appearance: Unlike typical painful sores, a syphilis chancre is notably painless. It usually appears as a small (often pea-sized to dime-sized), firm, round, and somewhat elevated sore or syphilis ulcer. The edges are often distinct and firm, with a clean-looking base. There may be a single chancre, but sometimes multiple syphilis sores can appear.
What It’s Often Mistaken For: Because it’s painless, individuals often overlook it or dismiss it as a benign lesion. It can easily be confused with:
An ingrown hair or a pimple.
A harmless bump or scratch.
An insect bite.
A cold sore or canker sore (if in the mouth).
Location Challenges: While commonly found on the genitals (syphilis on penis, labia, vagina, cervix), its discreet nature means it can appear on the anus, rectum, lips, or in the mouth/throat (syphilis throat). When located internally (e.g., on the cervix or deep in the rectum), it’s virtually impossible for an individual to see or feel, contributing significantly to missed diagnoses.
Progression if Untreated: The syphilis chancre typically lasts 3 to 6 weeks and heals spontaneously, leaving little or no scar. However, this healing does not mean the syphilis bacteria is gone; it merely signifies the progression to the next stage of the disease, making visual disappearance a dangerous false sense of security.
3.2. Secondary Syphilis: The Widespread (and Non-Itchy) Rash and Other Visible Signs
Approximately 2 to 10 weeks after the initial chancre appears (or even as it’s healing), the secondary syphilis stage begins, characterized by a more widespread presentation of visual and systemic symptoms. The syphilis rash is the most common visual manifestation in this stage:
Appearance of the Rash: The syphilis rash typically appears as reddish-brown, often rough, non-itchy spots. It’s crucial to note that it usually does not itch, a key differentiating factor from many other rashes. The rash can appear anywhere on the body, but it is characteristically found on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet (syphilis skin rash). It can sometimes be faint and easily missed, particularly in individuals with darker skin tones or if it’s not on the palms/soles.
Other Distinguishing Skin Lesions: Besides the generalized rash, other distinct visual signs include:
Condyloma Lata: These are moist, wart-like sores that may appear in the groin, underarm areas, or around the anus. They are flesh-colored or grayish-white, raised, and highly infectious. They are often mistaken for genital warts.
Mucous Patches: Grayish-white patches or sores can form in the mouth, throat, vagina, or anal area.
Patchy Hair Loss: Individuals may experience patchy hair loss (alopecia), especially on the scalp, eyebrows, and beard, appearing as “moth-eaten” areas.
What It’s Often Mistaken For: The syphilis rash can mimic numerous other conditions, including:
Allergic reactions or drug rashes.
Fungal infections (like ringworm or athlete’s foot, especially on palms/soles).
Measles, rubella, or other viral rashes.
Pityriasis rosea.
Acne or other common skin conditions.
Progression if Untreated: Secondary syphilis symptoms typically resolve within 2 to 6 weeks, even without syphilis medication. However, without syphilis treatment, the infection moves into the latent stage, which can lead to severe long-term consequences.
3.3. Latent Syphilis: The Hidden Stage (Visually Absent)
Following the secondary stage, syphilis enters the latent syphilis stage. During this period, there are typically no visible symptoms of syphilis or signs. The infection remains in the body but is inactive.
Characteristics: This stage can last for years, or even decades, and can be divided into early latent (within 1 year of infection) and late latent (more than 1 year). Despite the complete lack of visual signs, the bacteria are still present, and the individual can transmit the infection, especially in the early latent phase.
Consequences if Untreated: The absence of visible signs makes this stage particularly insidious. The bacteria continue to multiply silently, potentially leading to devastating tertiary syphilis years later, making it a critical point where early diagnosis is often missed
3.4. Tertiary (Late) Syphilis: The Destructive Final Stage
This is the most severe stage, developing in about 15-30% of individuals whose syphilis is not treated. Untreated syphilis at this stage can be devastating, causing irreversible damage to vital organs.
Neurosyphilis: Affects the brain and nervous system, leading to headaches, altered behavior, difficulty coordinating muscle movements, paralysis, numbness, dementia, and blindness.
Cardiovascular Syphilis: Affects the heart and blood vessels, potentially leading to aneurysms and other life-threatening heart problems.
Gummatous Syphilis: Involves the formation of soft, non-cancerous tumors (gummas) on the skin (syphilis skin rash), bones, liver, or other organs.
Consequences: The damage from late stage syphilis can be permanent, disabling, and even fatal.
3.5. Congenital Syphilis: Transmission to Newborns
This occurs when syphilis is passed from a pregnant person to their baby during pregnancy or childbirth. It can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, or severe health problems in newborns, including bone deformities, severe anemia, liver and spleen enlargement, jaundice, brain damage, and developmental delays. Early syphilis screening and syphilis treatment during pregnancy are critical to prevent this tragic outcome.
4. Is Syphilis Curable? What Treatments Are Available and How to Get Rid of It
A vital question for anyone diagnosed with or concerned about this infection is “is syphilis curable?” The answer is a resounding yes, especially when detected and treated early. Syphilis medication is highly effective at eliminating the bacteria and halting the disease’s progression.
4.1. Is Syphilis Curable?
Yes, syphilis is curable with appropriate antibiotics. The good news is that prompt and proper syphilis treatment can completely get rid of syphilis, particularly in its primary, secondary, and early latent stages. Even in late latent syphilis or tertiary syphilis, treatment can prevent further damage, though existing organ damage cannot always be reversed. This means syphilis is treatable, and an effective cure for syphilis exists
4.2. Syphilis Treatment Options
How to treat syphilis primarily involves antibiotics. The specific syphilis treatment regimen depends on the stage of the infection.
Penicillin G: This is the preferred syphilis medicine and is highly effective.
Primary, Secondary, or Early Latent Syphilis: A single dose of intramuscular penicillin G benzathine is usually sufficient. This makes “how to get rid of syphilis” relatively straightforward in early stages.
Late Latent Syphilis or Syphilis of Unknown Duration: Multiple doses (e.g., three weekly doses) of penicillin G benzathine are typically required.
Neurosyphilis (syphilis affecting the brain or spinal cord) or Ocular Syphilis (syphilis affecting the eyes): Requires higher doses of intravenous penicillin, often for 10-14 days, usually in a hospital setting.
Alternative Medications: For individuals with a severe penicillin allergy, other antibiotics such as doxycycline or tetracycline can be used, but the regimen may be longer and require careful monitoring. These alternatives for syphilis medication should only be prescribed by a healthcare provider.
4.3. Important Considerations During Treatment
Abstinence from Sex: Individuals undergoing syphilis treatment must abstain from all sexual activity until all sores have healed, and they have completed the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by their doctor. This prevents syphilis transmission to others.
Partner Notification and Treatment: It is crucial for all sexual partners from the past 90 days to also be tested and treated. Even if partners show no signs of syphilis, they could be infected and capable of spreading the disease. This is a vital step in breaking the chain of infection.
Follow-up Testing: After syphilis treatment, follow-up blood tests are essential to ensure the infection has been successfully treated and that antibody levels are declining. The frequency and duration of follow-up depend on the stage of the initial infection.
Jarisch-Herxheimer Reaction: Some individuals may experience a temporary fever, headache, body aches, and rash shortly after the first dose of syphilis medication. This is a common, short-term reaction to the dying bacteria and typically resolves on its own within 24 hours.
If you are concerned about syphilis treatment or need to discuss follow-up care, MaNaDr offers a discreet and convenient platform. You can connect with online doctors 24/7 for expert consultations and personalized guidance on the best approach for your specific situation.
5. How do you prevent syphilis?
5.1. Risk Factors
Certain factors significantly increase an individual’s susceptibility to contracting syphilis or other STIs. Recognizing these is the first step in prevention:
Unprotected Sexual Contact: Engaging in vaginal, anal, or oral sex without consistent and correct use of barrier methods like condoms is the primary risk factor. Direct skin-to-skin or mucous membrane contact with a syphilis sore is how the bacteria are transmitted.
Multiple Sexual Partners: Having multiple sexual partners increases your likelihood of encountering someone infected with syphilis or other STIs. The more partners one has, the higher the potential for exposure.
New Sexual Partners: Each new partner represents a new potential for exposure, especially if their STI status is unknown.
Having Other STIs: Co-existing STIs, particularly those that cause open sores (like herpes) or inflammation (like gonorrhea or chlamydia), can make it easier to acquire or transmit syphilis. Additionally, individuals living with HIV are at higher risk for syphilis acquisition and progression.
Unawareness of Partner’s STI Status: Not discussing STI status and recent testing history with a partner before engaging in sexual activity leaves you vulnerable to unknown risks.
Sex Under the Influence: Using alcohol or recreational drugs can impair judgment, leading to reduced likelihood of practicing safer sex or making impulsive decisions that increase risk.
Mother-to-Child Transmission Risk: For pregnant individuals, an untreated syphilis infection poses a severe risk to the unborn baby, leading to congenital syphilis. This highlights the importance of prenatal screening.
5.2. How do you prevent syphilis?
Preventing syphilis primarily involves adopting safer sexual practices and regular health screening. Here are the most effective strategies:
Abstinence: The only sure way to prevent syphilis and other STIs is to abstain from all forms of sexual activity.
Condom Use: Consistent and correct use of latex condoms during every sexual encounter (vaginal, anal, and oral sex) significantly reduces the risk of syphilis transmission. Condoms create a physical barrier preventing direct contact with syphilis sores and infectious fluids. However, it’s important to note that condoms are only effective for areas they cover; if a syphilis sore is located on uncovered skin, transmission can still occur.
Mutual Monogamy: Being in a mutually monogamous long-term relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known to be syphilis-free (and free of other STIs) is a highly effective prevention strategy. Both partners must commit to only having sex with each other.
Regular STI Testing: For sexually active individuals, especially those with new or multiple partners, regular syphilis testing (and screening for other STIs) is crucial. Knowing your status and your partner’s status is fundamental to safer sex. Early detection allows for prompt syphilis treatment and prevents further spread.
Open and Honest Communication: Discussing sexual health, past sexual history, and STI testing with your partner(s) before engaging in sexual activity is a vital step. This fosters trust and ensures informed decisions about safer sex.
Prenatal Screening: All pregnant individuals should be screened for syphilis early in pregnancy and, in some cases, again in the third trimester and at delivery. This critical step ensures timely syphilis treatment to prevent congenital syphilis, which can have devastating effects on the baby.
Expert Insight: A common myth is that “using a condom guarantees complete protection from syphilis.” While condoms are highly effective and essential for safer sex, public health guidance emphasizes the fact that syphilis can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact with a syphilis sore (chancre) that is located in an area not covered by the condom, such as the inner thigh, scrotum (if the condom only covers the penis), or around the anus. This underscores that while condoms are your best defense, comprehensive prevention includes regular testing and open communication, particularly because the primary chancre is often painless and hidden.
Conclusion
Syphilis is a serious, yet treatable, sexually transmitted infection that demands awareness and proactive management. Understanding what is syphilis, its progression through distinct syphilis stages, and the varied syphilis symptoms—from the often-missed syphilis chancre to the tell-tale syphilis rash—is paramount. While the infection can lead to devastating, irreversible consequences if left untreated syphilis, the good news is that is syphilis curable with appropriate syphilis medication, particularly in its early stages.
Don’t let uncertainty or embarrassment prevent you from seeking timely care. Early detection and complete syphilis treatment are your best defense against its progression. MaNaDr is here to empower you with immediate access to qualified doctors through our AI-powered teleconsultation platform, ensuring you can connect with the right specialist 24/7. Take control of your sexual health journey today and get rid of syphilis effectively.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Syphilis – CDC Fact Sheet. Retrieved fromhttps://www.cdc.gov/syphilis/about/index.html
