Early symptoms of syphilis

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on September 13, 2024
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Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, with the disease course within two years referred to as early syphilis. Not all infected individuals display symptoms; asymptomatic syphilis is also known as latent syphilis. Symptomatic early syphilis primarily manifests as either primary or secondary syphilis. The main symptom of primary syphilis is a chancre, typically occurring as a clear-bordered ulcer in the genital area. It is flesh-colored and neither painful nor itchy. Several weeks after the chancre heals, secondary syphilis can develop, characterized by a rash that may resemble other skin conditions. Common manifestations include macules, papular macules, copper-red papules on hands and feet, flat condyloma, and syphilitic alopecia. Individuals who suspect they may have been exposed to syphilis should visit a hospital for a blood test to detect syphilis antibodies. Antibodies can usually be detected four weeks after infection, and a negative result three months later can rule out syphilis.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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When is the third stage of syphilis?

Tertiary syphilis is a relatively late stage of syphilis, often occurring two to three years after the initial detection of the disease. For patients with a longer course of the disease, it generally appears five to ten years later. Once tertiary syphilis is diagnosed, it is often accompanied by damage to various organ functions, such as the cardiovascular system, bones, skin, and nervous system. Therefore, it is crucial to detect and treat syphilis early and to follow standard treatment protocols with a doctor. Otherwise, once it progresses to tertiary syphilis, it becomes very difficult to cure.

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Written by Fu Ye Song
Hematology
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Can a routine blood test detect syphilis?

Syphilis is a contagious disease, and we cannot detect syphilis through routine blood tests, as these tests only measure elements such as the number of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets in the blood. Since syphilis is caused by an infectious agent, it cannot be detected through routine blood tests. It can only be detected by checking for antibodies using methods like ELISA immunofluorescence. Therefore, routine blood tests cannot detect syphilis.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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Which is more serious, syphilis or AIDS?

Syphilis and AIDS, between the two, AIDS is more serious. This is because AIDS currently cannot be cured, and requires long-term regular intake of antiretroviral drugs. Syphilis, on the other hand, can be completely cured. In the early stages of syphilis, such as primary and secondary syphilis, the treatment is often very effective and also very convenient. Generally, a treatment course of two to three weeks can cure most syphilis infections. Therefore, between syphilis and AIDS, AIDS is more serious. These two diseases often occur simultaneously because both are transmitted sexually.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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How long does tertiary syphilis appear?

Tertiary syphilis often appears two to three years after contracting syphilis. Syphilis is staged based on the time of onset, and is typically divided into primary, secondary, and tertiary stages. Tertiary syphilis is the latest and most severe stage among these, often affecting the heart, nervous system, skin, and other areas. Due to the risk of severe complications, early and timely treatment is recommended to prevent the occurrence of tertiary syphilis.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Is tertiary syphilis highly contagious?

The infectivity of tertiary syphilis is not very high, although it still possesses relatively weak contagiousness. Syphilis in its primary and secondary stages often shows high titers in tests and has stronger infectivity, while tertiary syphilis has reduced infectivity. However, tertiary syphilis can easily lead to various complications, including damage to tissues and organs, making it more harmful than the primary and secondary stages. Therefore, it is crucial to treat tertiary syphilis promptly.