What is syphilis?
Alex

Dear Alex,

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that also goes by the names of Lues and Syph. Over 150,000 new cases are discovered every year in the United States alone.

Syphilis can be treated with a one-time injection of penicillin. However, if left untreated, the consequences are severe. Untreated syphilis can eventually lead to brain damage, psychosis, heart disease, organ damage, paralysis, blindness and death. In pregnant women, it can lead to miscarriage as well as severe birth defects (known as congenital syphilis).

In the stage of Primary Syphilis, a small, red, pea-sized bump at the site of infection can be found. This becomes a round, painless sore known as a chancre. Because there is no pain, internal bumps often go unnoticed.

As it progresses into Secondary Syphilis, flu-like symptoms and a skin rash are visible. The rash does not itch or hurt. In latency, symptoms are often not seen for many years.

In Tertiary Syphilis, "Gummas" or large ulcers develop that can destroy the muscles, liver, lungs, eyes and/or endocrine system. It can also lead to heart disease and neurosyphilis which effects the brain and spinal cord. Congenital Syphilis can also cause severe problems to newborn babies. Often miscarriage occurs; otherwise, the infant can be born blind, deaf, with severe deformities, or brain damage.

The first appearance of symptoms will occur within 3 months of exposure. If left untreated for 1-2 months, the symptoms of secondary syphilis will begin to appear. These symptoms disappear within 2 months, marking the beginning of the latency stage. The next stage can take several years to begin to show symptoms.

Obviously, syphilis is a very serious disease. The good news is that it can be treated fairly easily, and if detected early enough, very few problems may arise. If you see anything unusual, get checked right away. A simple checkup can save you years of problems.