Syphilis Fact Sheet
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this Fact Sheet
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted
disease (STD) caused by a bacterium
Treponema pallidum is the bacterium
that causes syphilis.
Syphilis is spread by sexual contact
The bacterium is found in sores that can
occur anywhere on the skin or inside the mouth or genitals
of infected persons. It passes to the next person when
two people have sex.
Signs and symptoms to look for:
- One or many weeping sores on the genitals,
rectum, or mouth. The sores are usually painless. Syphilis
sores can look like many other things. Although the
sores will go away, a person is still infected with
syphilis and must be treated.
- Rashes anywhere on the body. The rash
can be flat, scaly, bumpy, round, or crater-like. Spots
or scaling on the palms of the hands or soles of the
feet are common.
- Large moist patches can occur in the
mouth and in the groin areas. Although the rashes will
go away, a person is still infected with syphilis and
must be treated.
- Headaches
- Sore throat
- Swollen glands
- Hair falling out in patches
The first symptoms start 10 days to 3
months (usually 3 weeks) after sexual contact with someone
who has syphilis. Many people who have syphilis do not
know it. The sores may be in a place on the body where
they cannot be seen, or the sores may be mistaken for
some other problem, like a pimple or cut. Late stages
of syphilis can cause permanent damage to the heart, brain,
skin, bone, and other organs.
Syphilis can also be spread from an
infected mother to her unborn baby
Syphilis causes very severe infections
in babies who catch it from their mothers. The bacterium
can cross the placenta and infect an unborn baby. Babies
who catch syphilis from their mothers can have severe
complications including death, liver failure, pneumonia,
bleeding, or damage to the brain, bones, teeth, skin &
eye disease.
Syphilis can be treated with antibiotics
Syphilis must be diagnosed with a blood
test. See a doctor if you think you may have been exposed
to syphilis.
Syphilis is preventable
- Avoid infection by abstaining from
sex, or by only having sex with one non-syphillitic
person who only has sex with you
- Avoid unprotected sex—use condoms each
and every time you have sex
- Know the signs and symptoms of syphilis
If you think you or your partners have
syphilis or another STD, don't have sex until you and
your partners see a doctor and complete treatment
If you have syphilis, tell your partners so they can
be treated
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