Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease with four stages: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary. Primary syphilis causes a chancre at the infection site. Secondary syphilis symptoms include rashes. Latent syphilis has no symptoms but blood tests are positive. Tertiary syphilis damages internal organs in later stages. It is treated with antibiotics like penicillin but can cause Herxheimer reactions. Prevention includes abstinence, monogamy, condoms, and testing/treatment of infected partners.

1. Syphilis
BY EVELYN RODRÍGUEZ

2. Symptoms
Primary: Primary syphilis is typically acquired by
direct sexual contact with the infectious lesions of
another person.
Secondary: Secondary syphilis occurs
approximately four to ten weeks after the primary
infection.
Latent: Latent syphilis is defined as
having serologic proof of infection without
symptoms of disease.
Tertiary: Tertiary syphilis may occur approximately
3 to 15 years after the initial infection, and may be
divided into three different forms: gummatous
syphilis (15%), late neurosyphilis (6.5%), and
cardiovascular syphilis (10%).
Congenital: Congenital syphilis is that which is
transmitted during pregnancy or during birth.

3. Primary chancre of syphilis at the
site of infection on the penis.
Typical presentation of secondary
syphilis with a rash on the palms of
the hands.
Reddish papules and nodules over
much of the body due to secondary
syphilis.

4. Medical Treatments
Early infections: The first-choice treatment for
uncomplicated syphilis remains a single dose of
intramuscular penicillin G or a single dose of
oral azithromycin.
Late infections: For neurosyphilis, due to the poor
penetration of penicillin G into the central nervous
system, those affected are recommended to be
given large doses of intravenous penicillin for a
minimum of 10 days.
Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction: One of the potential
side effects of treatment is the Jarisch-Herxheimer
reaction.

5. Medical Treatments

6. Prevention Disease
The only way to avoid STDs is to not have vaginal,
anal, or oral sex.
If you are sexually active, you can do the following
things to lower your chances of getting syphilis:
Being in a long-term mutually monogamous
relationship with a partner who has been
tested and has negative STD test results;
Using latex condoms the right way every
time you have sex. Condoms prevent
transmission of syphilis by preventing contact
with a sore. Sometimes sores occur in areas
not covered by a condom. Contact with these
sores can still transmit syphilis.

7. Advice

8. Abstain from sex
Be faithful
Avoid alcohol and drug use
Use condoms
Understand birth control
Talk with your doctor and sex partner(s)
Have regular pelvic exams (if female).