Syphilis Symptoms
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a bacteria (germ). It progresses in stages and without treatment, can lead to death.
Syphilis affects your genitals, skin and mucous membranes, but it may also
involve many other parts of your body, including your brain and your heart. The
infection alternates with periods of being active and inactive. When the
infection is active, symptoms occur; however, when the infection is latent, no
symptoms appear even though you still may have syphilis. Symptoms of syphilis
occur in three stages: Primary
- Enlarged lymph nodes in your groin
- A small, painless sore on the part of your body where the infection was
transmitted, usually your genitals, rectum, tongue or lips.
Secondary
- Fatigue and a vague feeling of discomfort
- Rash marked by red or reddish-brown, penny-sized sores over any area of
your body, including your palms and soles
- Soreness and aching in your bones or joints
- Fever
Tertiary
- Cardiovascular problems which may
include bulging and inflammation of the aorta, your body's major artery.
- Neurologic problems which may include:
- Stroke;
- Infection of the membranes and fluid surrounding your brain and spinal
cord (meningitis)
- poor muscle coordination
- numbness
- paralysis
- deafness or visual problems
- personality changes
- dementia
Syphilis can lead to serious complications or death. But with early diagnosis
and penicillin use, the disease can be successfully treated.
Recommended Book - Bad
BLood: The Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment
Syphilis Symptoms to S |
