1. The Facts
About Syphilis
By Stephanie Miller

2. What is Syphilis?
 Caused by the
spirochete
Treponema
pallidum
 Transmitted
sexually
 Can occur during
pregnancy

3. Syphilis is Characterized by
Three Different Phases
 Phase 1 produces
a sore (or chancre)
 Develops at the
point of entry for
the organism
 Usually appears
after 10 days to 2
months

4. Phase Two
 Develops within a few days to a few
months of Phase One
 Variety of symptoms to include:
widespread body rash, fever, headache
 Highly infectious pink or grayish-white
papules along with shallow ulcers in the
mouth are the most telling signs

5. Secondary
Syphilitic Rash

6. Phase Three
 Also known as the latent phase because
the disease can remain dormant for years
 Causes tissue destruction in the aorta,
central nervous system, bone and skin
 Consequences may include aortic
aneurism, meningitis, dementia and many
other illnesses

7. Syphilis is Diagnosed
By Blood Testing

8. How is Syphilis Treated?
 Intravenous or
long-acting
intramuscular
preparations of
penicillin
 Duration varies,
depending on
stage of disease

9. Prevention
 Abstain from sex while any sore is
present in the genital, anal or oral
area!
 Sores may not be obvious. Know
whether your partner has been
tested!

10. What if I Think I Have Syphilis?
 Contact your
medical
professional
immediately!
 Abstain from sexual
activity until you
have been
treated.