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What Does Syphilis Look Like?

Are you wondering What does syphilis look like? From rashes to blotches, this guide reveals all the visible signs of syphilis and how to identify them.

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Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that could be preventable at an early stage. You could end with severe communications if it is not treated on time. Many people get confused with the appearance of syphilis and ask what does syphilis look like? I will explain in this blog about the appearance of suitable pictures. Moreover, I will explain the types, diagnosis, and associated treatment of syphilis. There are some preventive measures as well. I will include this all in this blog. Let's scrutinize more deeply. 

What is syphilis infection? 

Syphilis infection is a sexually transmitted disease that is caused by bacteria. It is a type of STD. In the starting, you feel no pain in the sore on the genitals, rectum, and mouth. The disease could be passed from one person to another. In the initial years, the condition stays in a dormant state. Syphilis could be cured by an injection called penicillin. Syphilis infection is most commonly seen in men who have sex with men. Syphilis could be infected with HIV. If syphilis is left untreated, it can advance to the second stage. Widespread rashes distinguish it. 

What does syphilis look like? 

Syphilis looks like a rash, which is why it is difficult to recognize. However, I have come up with different pictures which show precisely what syphilis will look like. Syphilis appears pale and has red spots on the chest, back, arms, legs, and soles. The patches occur symmetrically and are non-itchy. The secondary stage is highly contagious and takes a few seconds to transmit the disease. The rashes go away by themselves after 3 to 12 weeks. However, it can appear in the future too.All the pictures are shown in the down below. Primary stage syphilis sore (chancre) on the surface of a tongue. (1)

Secondary stage syphilis sores (lesions) on the palms of the hands. Referred to as palmar lesions.

Secondary stage syphilis sores (lesions) on the bottoms of the feet. Referred to as

Secondary syphilis rash on the back.

What can be mistaken for primary syphilis?

The conditions for which syphilis is mostly mistaken are: 
  • Allergic reaction 
  • Skin irritation 
  • Dermatitis 
  • Eczema 
  • Pityriasis rosea 
  • Rocky Mountain spotted fever

Symptoms and stages of syphilis 

The primary stage 
  • A single chancre occurs in the first stage.
  • However, it could have multiple chances too. This condition is rare. 
  • It is usually firm, round, and painless. 
  • There is less pain in the chancres 
  • It isn't easy to notice. 
  • It lasts for 3 to 6 weeks. 
  • If it is not treated, it will lead to the second stage. 
The secondary syphilis symptoms are given in the following: 
  • White or grey lesion 
  • Fever 
  • Muscle pain 
  • Sore throat 
  • Swollen lymph nodes 
  • Hair loss 
Latent stage -The latent phase or hidden phase has no visible signs. The infection of syphilis remains in the body, though there are no visible signs or symptoms. Late latent syphilis causes an infection that occurred more than 12 months ago. Tertiary syphilis -The tertiary infection comes after 10 to 30 years of the infection. The tertiary infection starts affecting multiple organ systems called: 
  • Brain 
  • Nerves 
  • Eyes 
  • Heart 
  • Blood vessels 
  • Liver 
  • Bones 
  • Joints 
There are other types of syphilis called 
  • Neurosyphilis 
  • Ocular syphilis 
  • Otosyphilis 
There also the neurosyphilis signs and symptoms are given in the following: 
  • Severe headache 
  • Trouble muscle movements 
  • Muscle weakness 
  • Numbness 
  • Changes in mental status 
In ocular syphilis 
  • Eye pain 
  • Redness 
  • Floating spots 
  • Sensitivity of light 
  • Change in vision 
The to syphilis may include: 
  • Hearing loss 
  • Ringing 
  • Buzzing 
  • Roaring 
  • Hissing 
  • Balance difficulties 
  • Dizziness 
  • Vertigo

What are the potential Causes of syphilis? 

Syphilis cases have been increasing over the years. Men who prefer men showed extreme effects of syphilis. This accounts for 43% of primary and secondary. It counts for 53% of men in all cases. We can conclude that the rate has decreased in women but not men. The main cause of syphilis is direct contact with the person. Syphilis is highly contagious and can occur on the genitals, vagina, anus, and rectum. It spreads from pregnant women to unborn children as well.

Who should get syphilis testing? 

A person was showing positive signs and symptoms of syphilis. A person interacts with an oral, anal, or vaginal sex partner who shows a positive result. There are also screening tests for syphilis that are crucial for the person who is involved with a syphilis patient. The person should contact the health care provider. The routine test is mainly done on 
  • Pregnant 
  • Sexually active 
  • Living with HIV 
  • Taking PrEP for HIV Prevention

What are the Treatments for Syphilis?

The treatment of syphilis is given in the following. However, never self-medicate. Always consult with a doctor. The therapy is mentioned according to the adult dose. 
  • Benzathine penicillin G 2.4 million units administered intramuscularly in a single dose.
  • Benzathine penicillin G 7.2 divides into three amounts of 2.4 million. It is administered intramuscularly. 
  • For neurosyphilis, Aqueous crystalline G 18-24 is administered 3-4 million units IV every 4 hours for 10 to 14 days. 
There some alternatives for pregnant women are given in the following: 
  • Doxycycline 
  • Tetracycline 
  • Ceftriaxone

Preventive Measures Required to prevent syphilis -

There are some preventive measures that a person can follow are given in the following: 
  • Usage of condoms 
  • Monogamous relationship 
  • Avoid sexual contact with a person 
Toilet seats, door knobs, pools, hot tubs, and clothing do not spread the infection. Also Read: Which milk should you choose for your infants?

Outlook -

In the above article, I have shown you some pictures of what syphilis looks like. Suppose you develop any signs and symptoms. You should consult a healthcare provider if you are looking for a screening test. You can directly interact with doctors. If you face any problem with your partner, you consult a healthcare provider to treat it properly. In the early stage, it could be treated. However, untreated cases lead to multiple organ failure. If you have any problem, you can contact the Credihealth team. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the syphilis look like in the beginning?

The first sign of syphilis is a small sore called chancre. It appears on the body. It occurs by bacteria and also they can develop in multiple chancre.

What does syphilis look like in male?

Primary syphilis occurs due to infection. The sores generally occur on genitals around the anus, rectum and mouth.

What are the main symptoms of syphilis?

There are main symptoms which occur after the infection are: Mild fever Fatigue Sore throat Hair loss Weight loss Headache Muscle pain Swollen glands