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Understanding Syphilis and Chancres

Syphilis is a bacterial infection that is usually spread through sexual contact. It develops in stages, starting with a painless sore called a chancre, usually on the genitals, rectum, or mouth. Without treatment, syphilis can later cause damage to internal organs. Primary syphilis presents with a chancre sore that heals on its own within six weeks. Secondary syphilis may cause a rash on the body and sores in the mouth or genitals, along with muscle aches and fever. Without treatment, syphilis enters a latent stage with no symptoms, and can eventually cause tertiary damage to organs like the brain, nerves, heart, and bones. Babies born to mothers

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99 views2 pages

Understanding Syphilis and Chancres

Syphilis is a bacterial infection that is usually spread through sexual contact. It develops in stages, starting with a painless sore called a chancre, usually on the genitals, rectum, or mouth. Without treatment, syphilis can later cause damage to internal organs. Primary syphilis presents with a chancre sore that heals on its own within six weeks. Secondary syphilis may cause a rash on the body and sores in the mouth or genitals, along with muscle aches and fever. Without treatment, syphilis enters a latent stage with no symptoms, and can eventually cause tertiary damage to organs like the brain, nerves, heart, and bones. Babies born to mothers

Uploaded by

Nona Saleh
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff Primary syphilis

Syphilis is a bacterial infection usually spread by sexual contact. The disease starts as a painless sore typically on your genitals, rectum or mouth. Syphilis spreads from person to person via skin or mucous membrane contact with these sores. After the initial infection, the syphilis bacteria can lie dormant in your body for decades before becoming active again. Early syphilis can be cured, sometimes with a single injection of penicillin. Without treatment, syphilis can severely damage your heart, brain or other organs, and can be life-threatening.

Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staff Primary syphilis

Syphilis develops in stages, and symptoms vary with each stage. But the stages may overlap, and symptoms don't always occur in the same order. You may be infected with syphilis and not notice any symptoms for years. Primary syphilis The first sign of syphilis is a small sore, called a chancre (SHANG-kur). The sore appears at the spot where the bacteria entered your body. While most people infected with syphilis develop only one chancre, some people develop several of them. The chancre usually develops about three weeks after exposure. Many people who have syphilis don't notice the chancre because it's usually painless and it may be hidden within the vagina or rectum. The chancre will heal on its own within six weeks. Secondary syphilis Within a few weeks of the original chancre healing, you may experience a rash that begins on your trunk but eventually covers your entire body even the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet. This rash is usually not itchy and may be accompanied by wart-like sores in the mouth or genital area. Some people also experience muscle aches, fever, sore throat and swollen lymph nodes. These signs and symptoms may disappear within a few weeks or repeatedly come and go for as long as a year.

Latent syphilis If you aren't treated for syphilis, the disease moves from the secondary to the latent (hidden) stage, when you have no symptoms. The latent stage can last for years. Signs and symptoms may never return, or the disease may progress to the tertiary (third) stage. Tertiary or late syphilis About 15 to 30 percent of people infected with syphilis who don't get treatment will develop complications known as tertiary, or late, syphilis. In the late stages, the disease may damage your brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones and joints. These problems may occur many years after the original, untreated infection. Congenital syphilis Babies born to women who have syphilis can become infected through the placenta or during birth. Most newborns with congenital syphilis have no symptoms, although some experience a rash on the palms of their hands and the soles of their feet. Later symptoms may include deafness, teeth deformities and saddle nose where the bridge of the nose collapses. When to see a doctor Call your doctor if you or your child experiences any unusual discharge, sore or rash particularly if it occurs in the groin area.

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