Syphilis is one of the better known STD’s in the world today. It’s said to have emerged after our first expeditions into the new world, being brought back by sailors. The infection spreads through direct contact with the syphilis sores of an infected person. The sores are painless and generally develop on the external genitals, lips, tongue or anus.
Syphilis can be treated and as such it’s important to start the treatment as soon as is physically possible. This is only going to be possible if you know what to look out for in terms of symptoms. The following is a list of the different symptoms in the different stages of syphilis:
- Primary Stage Syphilis
Small, painless but firm sores that last around 5 weeks. These are generally fairly small and form where the syphilis bacteria first entered the body, they typically heal without treatment. - Secondary Stage Syphilis
A rough, reddy brown rash appears on one or possibly more areas of the body. This generally includes your palms or the soles of your feet. Other symptoms may include sore throat, patch hair loss, weight loss, fatigue, aches and pains, headaches, or fever. - Latest Stage Syphilis
If the secondary stage is left untreated then the infection can remain dormant in the body, sometimes for huge periods of time. - Late Stage Syphilis
Syphilis can damage the heart, blood vessels, brain, nerves, liver, bones, joints and eyes at this late stage. Complications are also very common at this stage and things like dementia, heart disease or stroke might occur bringing their own issues and potentially death.
This can all be prevented if you make sure to see a doctor as soon as you suspect symptoms. Getting the treatment as early as is possible could well save you life or at the least save you and those you love from undue suffering. There’s no excuse not to get yourself checked if you suspect something!
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