Syphilis is a bacterial infection that is transmittable through sexual contact, and it is a complicated disease that typically starts with painless sores on the genitals or the mouth. It is deadly as it can stay hidden in the system after the infection for many years before returning. Patients should seek help for syphilis treatment quickly as it can critically damage the brain, heart and other organs, which can be lethal. Here are the stages in which the symptoms of syphilis evolve and when you should see a doctor for it.
What are the symptoms of syphilis?
The symptoms of syphilis vary as they develop in stages, and they do not always happen in chronological order. It could also mean that you have contracted syphilis without any noticeable symptoms for long periods. Let us get into the stages and the symptoms that typically occur in each stage.
Primary syphilis
The initial showing sign of syphilis is a tiny sore called a chancre. The sore will appear at the area the bacteria first targeted the patient, and although most will only be infected with one chancre, people can also develop several chancres.
The chancre typically develops three weeks following the first exposure. Many patients do not realise it because it is painless and could even be hidden in the vagina or rectum. In this stage, a chancre will remove itself in a month.
Secondary syphilis
After the chancre has healed, patients may experience rashes on the central part of their body and eventually the entire body from head to toe. The rashes do not itch and can come with sores that look like warts in the mouth or genital area. Some patients also go through hair loss, muscle aches and sore throats. These symptoms may vanish within weeks or return on and off for up to 12 months.
Latent syphilis
Suppose treatment is not sought within the first two stages; it will become latent syphilis, where the symptoms are hidden. In this stage, it is tricky to know if you are free from syphilis, as the symptoms may be gone for good or progress to the next stage.
Tertiary syphilis
Tertiary syphilis is the most dangerous stage, as the disease can harm the brain, nerves, eyes, bones, and joints and can occur for years following the initial infection. About 1 in 3 people infected with syphilis who do not get treatment for it will develop these complications, which are hard to reverse.
Conclusion
Antibiotics can be used to treat syphilis in its early stages effectively and with minimal damage to health. However, if you are already in the late stage of syphilis, it is hard to reverse the adverse effects on the body, even with syphilis treatment. It is good to seek help from a professional and have yourself checked if you have any symptoms stated after sexual intercourse. Elyon Clinic provides a range of healthcare services, from warts treatment to taking an STD test in Singapore. Please get in touch with us at 6802 7208 to book an appointment today.
