Syphilis or hard cancer is an infectious, sexually transmitted disease (STD), caused by bacteria Treponema pallidum. Its evolution is slow, with periods of acute manifestation and others of latency (without symptoms). Without proper treatment in the initial phase, syphilis can compromise the whole organism.
Transmission of syphilis occurs through sexual intercourse unprotected with an infected person, and may also be transmitted from the mother to the baby during the pregnancy (congenital syphilis).
The initial symptoms of syphilis are characterized by small wounds which appear in the genitals and gums in the groin. These signs usually manifest between 7 and 20 days after sexual intercourse (vaginal, oral, anal) without protection.
Syphilis can be classified as primary, secondary, tertiary and congenital, according to its stage and form of transmission.
THE primary syphilis is characterized by a ulcerated lesion of smooth, shiny, hard base with liquid secretion, transparent and scarce, which causes little or no pain. In women, it may appear on the large lips, vagina, clitoris, perineum and cervix; in men can occur in the glans and foreskin.
Along with the lesion, there are navels in the groin that do not cause pain and appear two to three weeks after unprotected intercourse with an infected person. After 3 to 4 weeks, the ulcer disappears by itself, leaving no scar, which gives the idea of healing.
THE secondary syphilis is the stage that is characterized by the spread of the bacteria by the organism, 4 to 8 weeks after the appearance of the first lesion. Red spots appear on the skin, especially on the trunk and extremities (palms and soles of the feet), fever, headache, malaise, weight loss, sore throat, loss of appetite, hair loss and gums.
The symptoms of secondary syphilis also disappear spontaneously, again giving the patient the false idea that he is cured. From the secondary stage, syphilis may become latent in the body, ie, it does not manifest symptoms for a long period, evolving into the tertiary phase.
THE tertiary syphilis is marked by severe manifestations in the affected organs. There may be meningitis, paralysis of nerves and obstruction of blood vessels in the brain, with risk of blindness and stroke ("stroke"). It also affects the spinal cord, leading to loss of limb reflexes and tenderness, which can lead to paralysis.
Syphilis also compromises the functioning of heart valves and can cause lesions in large arteries, such as the aorta.
Already the congenital syphilis is syphilis that is transmitted from the infected mother to the fetus during pregnancy and can cause miscarriage or fetal malformation. Most of the symptoms manifest in the first months of life, such as pneumonia, body wounds, hearing loss and vision, bone problems and neurological impairment.
Syphilis can be prevented with the use of condoms in all sexual relations. The diagnosis is made with a blood test and the treatment is performed with antibiotics, usually penicillin.
The disease has a cure and is easily treatable, especially in the early stages. However, without treatment, it may cause irreversible damage to the organs.
Learn more at:
What are the symptoms and treatment of syphilis?
How does the transmission of syphilis occur?
Who has had syphilis can have children?
How do I know if I have an STD?
