Syphilis (syphilis) is a sexually transmitted infection / STI caused by a bacterium called Treponema pallidum . Often also known as the king of lions, this disease usually begins with the appearance of sores on several parts of the body such as the genitals, rectum, or mouth. Initially these sores do not cause pain, but can spread through contact with these sores. Syphilis is a disease that needs to be watched out for because it can damage internal organs such as the brain, heart, and can be transmitted from pregnant women to fetuses, so proper and fast treatment is needed.
What causes syphilis?
Syphilis is caused by a bacterium called Treponema pallidum and a person can contract the bacterium through sexual intercourse with someone with syphilis. In addition, the bacteria can also be transmitted through physical contact with wounds on the body of a person with syphilis. In some other rare cases, syphilis can also be spread when kissing. However, this bacteria will not be spread by using the same items such as toilets, tubs, clothing, or cutlery.
What are the symptoms of syphilis?
Symptoms of syphilis are divided into five stages based on the stages of disease development, including:
- Primary syphilis
Generally, symptoms of primary syphilis appear 10-90 days after the patient is infected with the bacteria that causes syphilis. Symptoms begin with the appearance of a small sore ( chancre ) that is not painful at the site of entry of bacteria into the body, usually in the area around the genitals. In addition, sores can also appear in places that are not visible, such as the inside of the vagina, rectum, or mouth. Usually, the sores will disappear on their own within 3-6 weeks and develop into secondary syphilis if left untreated. - Secondary syphilis
Symptoms in secondary syphilis appear several weeks after the sores disappear in primary syphilis. The symptoms that appear are rashes on any part of the body, such as on the palms of the hands and feet. In some cases, the rash that appears is accompanied by warts in the genital area or mouth but does not cause itching. The rash can be red or brownish red and will feel rough, but looks faint. At this stage, symptoms may also be accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, weakness, muscle aches, sore throat, hair loss, dizziness, swollen lymph nodes, or weight loss. Just like the primary stage, the rash can disappear without treatment and will appear many times afterward. If not treated properly, the infection can progress to a latent stage. - Latent syphilis
At this stage, the bacteria persist but remain asymptomatic for years. The infection is still transmittable during the first 12 stages of latent syphilis, but the infection becomes intransmissible after 2 years or 24 months of the latent syphilis stage. If left untreated, this infection will later develop into the most dangerous stage of syphilis, namely tertiary syphilis. - Tertiary syphilis
In this stage, the infection appears 10-30 years after the first infection. Syphilis at this stage is characterized by permanent organ damage and can be fatal for the sufferer. - Congenital syphilis
Congenital syphilis is congenital syphilis that is transmitted by pregnant women to their fetuses, either in the womb or during delivery. This condition is not infrequently the cause of serious complications in pregnancy, such as miscarriage, fetal death, to infant death shortly after birth. And if the baby survives, the baby has the potential to experience rashes on several parts of the body such as the palms and soles, and can cause serious complications such as bone/tooth deformities, anemia, and meningitis.
That's a row of causes to symptoms of syphilis based on the stages of its development. If you or your closest relative is sexually active, especially risky sexual activity (having sex with multiple partners and without using protection), get tested for syphilis every 3 months to once a year. And if there are wounds or rashes, immediately consult a trusted doctor to get further treatment.
Article written by dr. Hadi Firmansyah, Sp.KK, M.Kes (Skin and Gender Specialist at EMC Cikarang Hospital).