| |
|
| |
SYPHILIS |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
Other name - the Pox |
|
Where does it come from? |
| ~ |
it is caused by a spiral shaped germ called treponema pallidum |
|
How do I get Syphilis? |
| ~ |
it is sexually transmitted |
|
How long does it take to show? |
| ~ |
usually 14-35 days (2-5 weeks) after contact but it could be 10 – 90 days (1week – 3 months) |
|
What might I notice? |
|
Men & Women |
|
The FIRST stage: |
| ~ |
it is usually the appearance of a small red spot that loses its surface area, leaving an ulcer |
| ~ |
this is usually round and painless, with a clean surface |
| ~ |
left untreated, this ulcer is likely to grow to about 2 cm and then slowly start to heal itself – in 4-8 weeks |
| ~ |
there is unlikely to be a scar |
| ~ |
the surrounding area is likely to be swollen |
| ~ |
there may be enlargement of the glands in the groin and other areas |
|
The SECOND stage: |
| ~ |
is usually 6 – 8 weeks after infection |
| ~ |
there is usually a skin rash on the body – in particular palms of the hands, soles of the feet and on the chest / trunk |
| ~ |
moist areas of the body may be ulcerated |
| ~ |
various glands may enlarge and feel tender |
| ~ |
rarely – hair may fall out |
| ~ |
Hepatitis (liver inflammation) may occur |
|
The THIRD stage: |
| ~ |
usually 3 – 30 years after untreated infection |
| ~ |
it affects the brain, to cause ‘general paralysis of the nervous system’ (or when the brain is so damaged by Syphilis that there is serious nerve damage, causing paralysis all over the body) |
| ~ |
blindness and visual problems |
| ~ |
heart and bone changes |
| ~ |
there may be gradual destruction of the bones and flesh |
|
Mother to baby |
| ~ |
the baby is vulnerable to infection by Syphilis after the 16th week of pregnancy – so good antenatal care is vital |
| ~ |
in the UK all antenatal patients have a blood test for Syphilis |
| ~ |
if it is diagnosed the woman can be treated and the baby protected |
| ~ |
left untreated, the baby could be deformed or die |
|
What tests would I have? |
| ~ |
swabs and blood tests |
|
What treatment is there, if I have Syphilis? |
| ~ |
Antibiotics |
|
What should I do after I finish the treatment? |
| ~ |
you will be asked to return to the clinic treating you and have the tests repeated, to check that the infection has cleared |
|
What about my partner? |
| ~ |
it is essential that your partner is checked for Syphilis and treated if they have it |
|
What about sex? |
| ~ |
this should be avoided until your treatment – and that of your partner, has been competed and you are told it is safe to have sex again by the doctor treating you – otherwise, you risk becoming re-infected |
|
What about oral sex, anal sex and condoms? |
| ~ |
Syphilis can be passed on by oral or penetrative sex |
|
What complications can come from having Syphilis? |
| ~ |
See STAGE 1, STAGE 2 and STAGE 3 above |
|
How can I avoid getting Syphilis? |
| ~ |
take time to get to know your partner |
| ~ |
the careful and consistent use of condoms, even with another method of birth control – is wise, as protection against infection |
| ~ |
never assume that a ‘clean looking’ person is clear of infection |
