The first sign of syphilis is often a small, painless sore on the skin, but people can be infected with the virus for years without showing symptoms.
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that in 2020 there will be about 7.1 million people between 15 and 49 years old with the disease in the world.
Syphilis is very contagious because the virus can exist in the body for a long time before causing symptoms. Many people do not know that they have the disease and then transmit it to their partners.
Syphilis has 4 stages and the symptoms experienced depend on the stage of the disease. The stages may overlap and symptoms do not always develop in order.
Primary stage
Symptoms of the early stage usually appear 10 days to 3 months after exposure to the virus. Usually, the first sign is a small, painless sore on the skin called a chancre. That’s where bacteria enter the body. Ulcers can be hidden inside the rectum or vagina so the patient does not know it.
The ulcer heals on its own after about 3 to 6 weeks, but it does not mean that the disease is cured but is about to enter the second stage.
Secondary stage
About 2 to 10 weeks after the first ulcer appears, people with syphilis may experience symptoms such as a skin rash that causes small, reddish-brown ulcers; ulcers in the mouth, vagina or anus. Patients may experience hair loss, fever, weight loss, body aches, sore throat and swollen lymph nodes because the bacteria have entered the bloodstream.
If not treated right away, symptoms disappear and then return. This can happen for up to a year. Even if symptoms do not return, the virus is still present in the body.
Latent phase
Without treatment, secondary syphilis can progress to the latent stage. Not everyone goes through this stage. At that time, the patient no longer has any symptoms, possibly for many years.
In some cases, symptoms do not return but the virus has not disappeared and the disease progresses to the final stages.
A Dermatologist – Skin Aesthetics specialist examines a patient. Illustration: Hoang Lien Son
Final phase
This is the most severe stage of syphilis, which can appear 10 to 30 years after the first infection.
At this time, syphilis causes a lot of damage to the brain, nervous system, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones and joints, leading to dangerous complications such as paralysis, blindness, deafness, dementia, paralysis. positive. Patients can suffer permanent organ damage or even death.
A mother with syphilis can transmit the disease to her child during pregnancy or birth. This is called congenital syphilis. If left untreated, there is a high risk of stillbirth and death of the newborn.
Most babies born with syphilis have no symptoms. Some may have a rash on the palms of their hands or soles of their feet. Children can have complications in many organs including an enlarged liver, jaundice, runny nose, bone abnormalities, and brain problems. Parents should take their child to see a pediatrician immediately if their child has unusual discharge, pain, or a rash near the groin.
Syphilis can be completely cured, depending on the stage of the disease, there are different treatment options. However, if not detected promptly, the longer the disease lasts, the more difficult it is to treat. If you suspect you have been exposed to a source of syphilis infection or have warning signs, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.