What You Should Know About Syphilis

"Syphilis? Nobody gets syphilis anymore." - Syphilis is a disease that many people think has disappeared. According to the CDC, syphilis makes a dramatic comeback every 7-10 years. In 2006, a CDC report states, over 36,000 cases were reported by health officials in the United States, an 11.8% increase over 2005. There were more cases reported in men than women, and over 60% of the total cases involved men who had sex with men. There was also a slight increase in cases of congenital syphilis in newborns.

"It's not that serious. One shot of penicillin clears it up."

In the early stages - infection for less than a year - a single intramuscular shot of penicillin will cure syphilis. Additional doses may be needed if the person has had syphilis longer than a year. Other antibiotics are available for people who are allergic to penicillin. No home remedies or OTC drugs will cure syphilis. A person being treated for syphilis must refrain from sexual activity until all sores are healed. Notifying sex partners that one has been diagnosed with syphilis is necessary so they can be tested and treated as well.

"What if I don't get treatment early enough?"

The early stages of syphilis usually show up as little, round, firm sores. These sores (called chancres) are painless, last 3-6 weeks, and will heal without treatment.

The next stage occurs within weeks - a skin rash. The rash usually doesn't itch, and may be red or reddish-brown, appearing on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet. These rashes may be faint or show up on other parts of the body. Besides a rash, fever, enlarged lymph glands, sore throat, headaches, muscle aches, and fatigue are common symptoms. These symptoms will also resolve without treatment, but will lead to later serious complications if not treated. The person continues to have syphilis and remains infectious.

Late stages of syphilis can show up 10-20 years after initial infection. Damage to internal organs, including the brain, heart, liver, eyes, and bones can result. Symptoms of late stage syphilis include numbness, blindness, paralysis, and dementia. The damage can be serious enough to cause death.