Before we talk about the symptoms, let's first have a general view of syphilis.
Syphilis is caused by a bacteria called Treponema pallidum, it is a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI). Like some infections, syphilis can be difficult to diagnose however, the first sign is a painless sore called a chancre, inside the mouth or in the sexual organ, or on the rectum.
It is important that syphilis be detected on time, one can have it without knowing for years, it can cause damage to the brain and heart if left untreated for a long time.
It can be transmitted through contact with chancres (sores). It can be contracted through oral sex and other sexual activities.
There are four stages of syphilis including, primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary stages.
With syphilis being most infectious in the primary and secondary stage, and most dangerous to one's health in the tertiary stage.
In the latent stage, it shows no symptoms but is active. Let's take a look at the stages differently.
Primary Syphilis and its symptoms
Occurring three to four weeks after contraction. Starting with a painless but highly infectious chancre. It can be seen where the bacteria entered the body like the genitals, rectum, or inside the mouth, this chancre appears between 10 to 90 days and remains between two weeks to six weeks.
Secondary syphilis and its symptoms
Symptoms in this stage may include sore throat and skin rashes, some people don't notice the rash until it is gone. It may appear on the palms and soles or anywhere in the body. A few other symptoms which may disappear even without treatment include headache, fever, weight loss, hair loss, joint aches, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes. See why it is important to have a proper diagnosis, these symptoms appear like symptoms of other ailments. These symptoms leave but if untreated, the person still has the infection.
This is the hidden stage which could last for years before progressing to the tertiary stage, here, no physical symptom is seen however, the infection is still in the body.
This is the life threatening stage, please bear in mind that this can occur years after being infected. It can result in mental illness, memory loss, deafness, stroke or meningitis, heart disease, neurosyphilis, soft tissue, and bone destruction.
Please get treatment even after the symptoms are no longer seen, make sure to examine yourself properly and seek medical care. I have made an article on the treatment of syphilis ensure to check.
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