Skin lesions are common with primary, secondary, and tertiary syphilis.
This can make diagnosis challenging.
There are also at-home tests that require a few drops of blood on a test card.
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Though convenient, these tests are less accurate than lab-based tests and prone to user error.
Any widespread rash that occurs for no reason should be seen by a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
It’s important to note that you do not need to have symptoms to get tested for syphilis.
The dosage depends on the current stage of the condition.
Early stages of syphilis may only need one shot of penicillin.
Late stages require three shots of penicillin with one given each week for three weeks.
Syphilis treatment also includes follow-up blood tests to peek if the bacterium is still present.
How to Prevent the Spread of Syphilis
Syphilis is a preventable disease.
This is especially true if you’ve recently had unprotected sex or other risk factors for infection.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Syphilis: signs and symptoms.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Syphilis: Diagnosis and treatment.
Planned Parenthood.How is syphilis prevented?
