Is third-stage syphilis contagious?

Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
Updated on January 27, 2025
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Third-stage syphilis is infectious, but its contagiousness is relatively weak compared to first-stage and second-stage syphilis. The titers detected in third-stage syphilis are usually lower, so its infectiousness is comparatively minor. However, third-stage syphilis still has the capability to infect others. Therefore, patients with third-stage syphilis must actively seek treatment and refrain from having sexual relations with others, while also enhancing their own immunity.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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Early symptoms of syphilis

Syphilis is a chronic, systemic sexually transmitted disease caused by the Treponema pallidum bacterium. It is highly contagious and very harmful. The early symptoms of syphilis usually include the appearance of a chancre. Typically, about three weeks after infection, a hard, painless, round nodule appears at the site of infection. It starts as a reddish, moist spot, then gradually becomes ulcerated and eroded, forming an ulcer. This is an early manifestation of syphilis, known as a chancre. The harm caused by syphilis is very significant. Once syphilis is diagnosed, it is crucial to start treatment early. Early prevention of syphilis is essential, and any early symptoms should be taken very seriously. Treatment can be administered under a doctor's guidance, usually involving the muscle injection of long-acting penicillin. (Under the guidance of a doctor for medication.)

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Can third-stage syphilis be cured?

Third-stage syphilis can potentially be fatal, but this is not absolute. With proper and timely treatment, it can gradually improve. Third-stage syphilis is the most severe and latest stage of the disease, also known as late-stage syphilis. This stage often affects our skin, bones, cardiovascular system, and even the nervous system. When these systems are affected, corresponding complications can arise. If left untreated, late-stage complications can lead to death. However, if treated early, there is a possibility of cure over time.

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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 Huang Ling Juan
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What are the early symptoms of syphilis in men?

Early symptoms of syphilis in men may include small papules, with the characteristic lesion of early syphilis being a chancre. From the infection with the syphilis spirochete to the appearance of skin symptoms, it usually takes about three weeks on average. The syphilis chancre in men is typically found on the genitals, though a minority may appear in the mouth. The earliest form of a chancre is a solitary papule, which gradually develops into a round or oval-shaped ulcer. The ulcer has clear boundaries, slightly raised edges, and a clean base, feeling firm like cartilage to the touch, without significant pain. When a chancre appears, if a secondary bacterial infection occurs, pain may arise. Men infected with syphilis must seek early treatment as early-stage syphilis can be completely cured.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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Does tertiary syphilis have titers?

If one is suffering from stage three syphilis, syphilis titers will be present. However, syphilis titers do not always correlate directly with the severity of the condition. It is possible for the titers in stage one and two syphilis to be higher than in stage three. It's often the case that stage three syphilis represents the late stages of the disease, and the titers might decrease as the disease progresses into these later stages. Examples include titers such as 1:8 or 1:4, although some patients might exhibit titers of 1:16.