Syphilis
What are the signs and symptoms of the infection?
Primary syphilis can cause one or more painless ulcers, or sores, at the point where the bacteria entered the body. These sores are usually on the genitals. They may also be found around the anus, in the rectum or vagina, on the lips, and in the mouth.
Secondary syphilis involves a generalized rash that usually appears on the palms
and soles. The usual rash appears as red spots that can be flat or raised. However, many different skin rashes can occur. Following are other symptoms of secondary syphilis:
fatigue
fever
hair loss
headache
joint pain
loss of appetite
sore throat
weight loss
Sometimes people can develop meningitis, which is an
inflammation of the membrane lining the brain and spinal cord. Secondary syphilis may cause may cause eye, kidney, or liver problems. Tertiary syphilis can involve
any organ of the body. When the brain is involved, it is called neurosyphilis. Some of the problems neurosyphilis can cause are as follows:
blindness
deafness
dementia
loss of speech
psychiatric disturbances
seizures
weakness or paralysis
People with congenital syphilis can
have no symptoms or very severe
symptoms. It can even cause death. As with syphilis that is acquired sexually, congenital syphilis can
affect any organ in the body. The usual symptoms of congenital syphilis
include the following:
bone abnormalities
enlarged liver and spleen
enlarged lymph nodes
low blood count
rash
If left untreated, the late signs of
congenital syphilis include subtle bone
malformations, malformed teeth, and eye and brain problems.
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