Syphilisis a sexually transmitted infection that can spread through intimate contact, such as sex.
The infection is brought on by a bacteria calledTreponema pallidum.
These sores are often (but not always) painless and may be round and firm.
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These sores are found on areas of the body where syphilis has entered.
In latent-stage syphilis, there are typically no visible signs.
Tertiary-stage syphilis, which is rare, may affect organ systems, even causing death.
This can occur during any of the stages listed above.
What Do Syphilis Sores Look Like?
Sometimes syphilis sores go unnoticed due to their location, particularly in hard-to-see places like the anus.
Typically, the sores are round and firm.
What Does Syphilis Rash Look Like?
In secondary syphilis, a rash may appear on the skin.
This most commonly appears on the palms or the soles of the feet.
The rash typically doesn’t itch and is sometimes faint enough to escape notice.
Otherwise, a rash may have a red or brown color and a rough-looking texture.
How Contagious Is Syphilis?
Syphilis is highly contagious, particularly when syphilis sores or a rash are present.
But even people without sores or a rash can spread syphilis.
The infection is spread from intimate physical contact, like during sex.
It may also be passed from a pregnant person to the developing fetus.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing syphilis may involve a number of tests.
These may include:
Treatment
Syphilis can be treated with antibiotics.
This may include:
However, antibiotics will not repair damage that a syphilis infection has already caused.
Your partner should also get tested for syphilis.
Summary
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that can spread through intimate sexual contact.
It may also cause a rash and other symptoms like swollen lymph glands.
Syphilis in people with penises can be diagnosed with a swab test, physical exam, or blood test.
It can be treated successfully with antibiotics.
It is contagious, and it is important for those diagnosed with syphilis to inform their sexual partners.
But it may be too faint to notice.
A syphilis rash is not typically itchy, and some people may not even notice it.
In other people, the rash will appear red, brown, or rough.
Symptoms of syphilis like sores and rashes may go away without treatment.
However, treatment is still necessary to stop the infection from progressing to more serious stages.
If left untreated, syphilis can cause a variety of complications that can be life-threatening.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About syphilis.
Nemours TeensHealth.Telling your partner you have an STD.
