Syphilis
Signs
There are a number of signs that someone has syphilis. The first sign is painless sores in the genital area. This is is the earliest indication of the first stage of syphilis. The second sign is a reddish brown rash that usually develops on the hands and feet. The third and fourth signs inlude weight loss and hair loss. This indicates the second stage of syphilis.
Symptoms
There are many symptoms for syphilis and they occur in four stages.
Primary
- Painless sores in the genital area
Secondary
Reddish brown rash
- Open sores on the mucous membranes
- Moist sores
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Slight weakness or discomfort
- Weight loss
- Patchy hair loss
- Swelling of lymph nodes
- Neck stiffness
- Headaches
Latent
- Temporary disappearance of symptoms
Tertiary
- Paralysis
- Dementia
- Numbness
- Difficulty coordinating muscle movements
Treatment
Syphilis can be treated easily in the early stages with a single dose of penicillin. However if you are allergic to penicillin a doctor will give you tetracyline or doxycyline. After this a person must not have sex until all sores are healed.
Hotline Numbers
AIDS/STD Hotline
1-800-642-8244
HIV/STD Hotline
1-800-243-2437