It’s triggered by the bacteriumTreponema pallidum.
If left untreated, it can cause damage to the heart, kidneys, and other major organs.
During primary syphilis, the most common sign of infection is a skin sore known as achancre.
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Secondary syphilis is marked by a non-itchy rash on one or more body parts.
In women, soft, flat skin growths may appear on the vulva.
Latent syphilis has no signs or symptoms of infection and can last for years.
What Does Syphilis Look Like?
What syphilis looks like will depend on the stage of infection.
It can also have a different appearance and occur on different parts of the body.
For this reason, many cases of syphilis are missed until the infection advances and the symptoms have worsened.
However, only a blood test can confirm a syphilis infection.
Treatment
The way treatment is administered will depend on which stage the syphilis infection is in.
However, syphilis is most often treated withantibiotics; the dose will vary based on the stage of infection.
This is known as congenital syphilis.
Congenital syphilis can cause serious health problems for the baby.
Summary
Syphilis is an STI that can be transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
There are four stages of syphilis and its appearance varies by the stage.
Syphilis is diagnosed through a blood test and treated with antibiotics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, syphilis can cause vaginal sores.
These are known as chancres.
They are usually small and painless.
Sometimes, these sores go unnoticed.
The first sign of syphilis is a chancre, a small and painless sore.
A chancre often appears on the vagina, penis, or around the anus.
Syphilis can be mistaken for canker sores, Lyme disease, and herpes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About syphilis.
2020;10:574806. doi:10.3389/fcimb.2020.574806
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Syphilis - STI treatment guidelines 2021.
