Syphilis is an infection brought about by bacteria and transmitted in most cases through sexual contact. It is a condition that can manifest itself on the genitals, skin and mucous membranes, and can also migrate to other parts of the body. Syphilis can be treated but if it is left unattended to it can be quite serious and even deadly.
Features
A bacterium called Treponema pallidum is responsible for causing syphilis. It gains access to the body through open cuts or scrapes in the skin or mucous membranes. Most often this occurs through sexual activity when one of the individuals has an open sore. Syphilis can also be transmitted through kissing and blood transfusions, and mothers can pass it on to their newborns. Because this form of bacteria is so sensitive to the environment and unable to survive in many conditions, it is rarely transmitted in any other way except by direct contact.
Identification
Symptoms of syphilis develop in four distinct stages. During the first stage, called the primary stage, a small but painless sore known as a chancre will form on the part of the body that originally was infected by the syphilis bacteria. This will probably be on the genitals, lips, tongue or the rectum. There can be more than one but normally it is just a single sore. The lymph nodes in the groin may become swollen as well during this primary stage.
Potential
During the secondary stage of syphilis there is the potential to develop a reddish rash and sores that can occur anywhere on the body. They can even show up on the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet. You can start to spike a fever and feel tired. Your joints may ache and you will feel sore. These symptoms can come and go intermittently for up to a year or totally disappear after a few weeks.
Considerations
The third stage of syphilis is called the latent stage. For some people with the disease it may completely go away; others may see it advance to the final stage called the tertiary stage. At this point the bacteria have spread to organs and are capable of causing death. The bacteria can attack the brain or the heart or both, bringing about heart disease, strokes, dementia, paralysis and other neurological problems.
Time Frame
Symptoms of the primary stage of syphilis can occur anywhere from 10 days to 3 months from first exposure to the bacteria. The secondary stage of the disease can take place from 2 to 10 weeks after the first sores appear. The tertiary stage can take years to finally arise.
Tags: primary stage, stage syphilis, mucous membranes, occur anywhere, secondary stage