1. STDs
2. Syphilis
3. Symptoms

Syphilis Symptoms Singapore | Shim Clinic

Syphilis symptoms may present in one of four different stages: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary. And also congenitally.

Primary Syphilis – a painless and firm ulcer (called a chancre) develops at the site of infection (penis, anal, mouth, scrotum) after nine to 90 days. If left untreated, the chancre will heal by itself within a few weeks. This does not indicate that the infection is cured; on the contrary the infection is actually spreading throughout the body.

Secondary Syphilis – rashes on palms, soles, and body usually appear within three months after the initial infection, coupled with flu-like symptoms (fever, lethargy, swollen glands). Other less common symptoms include moist, fleshy growth near the groin and anus, hair loss, etc. This is the most infectious stage. If left untreated, the rashes may also disappear; once again this does not mean that the infection is cured.

It must be emphasised that not all patients demonstrate early symptoms. Furthermore many may not be aware of infections occurring in the rectum or throat, while others may ignore mild rashes and flu-like symptoms which can be mistaken for a common throat infection and viral rash. Blood tests for syphilis one to three months after exposure will be able to diagnose the infection.

Latent Syphilis – this is the period where there are no symptoms or signs, the infection is called latent. Though it is not infectious, the bacteria continue to spread in internal organs. Some infected persons with syphilis remain in this latent stage for the rest of their lives with limited complications.

Tertiary Syphilis – a proportion of infected persons progress to this late stage after five to up to 30 years where internal organs like the heart, brain, eyes, nerves, spinal cord are seriously infected. Usually these people are discovered when they present with heart problems, visual problems, psychiatric or brain complaints etc.

CLINICAL FEATURES

STAGES OF SYPHILIS

A. Primary Syphilis
Usually occurs 2-6 weeks following infection. Characterized by a single or less often multiple, painless, indurated ulcer (chancre) at the site of inoculation. Regional lymph nodes are enlarged, feel rubbery and are painless.

B. Secondary Syphilis
Usually occurs 2-6 months following primary syphilis. Characterized by variable mucocutaneous and systemic signs e.g. symmetrical non-itchy rashes, mucous membrane lesions, patchy alopecia, generalised lymphadenopathy.

C. Latent Syphilis
Asymptomatic phase with no clinical signs of organ involvement. It is categorised into –

• Early latent syphilis (<1 year of infection)
• Late latent syphilis (>1 year of infection)

D. Tertiary Syphilis
Occurs 5 to 10 years after secondary syphilis and includes –

• Benign tertiary syphilis characterized by gumma formation
• Cardiovascular syphilis
• Neurosyphilis

References

• Syphilis symptoms @ Wikipedia