Let’s Not Miss…Syphilis - LifeCare Diagnostic Medical Centre

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Let's not miss...syphilis

Life Care Diagnostic

May 31, 2021

Life Care Diagnostic May 30, 2021 Yes, syphilis can be effectively treated. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a spiral-shaped gram negative bacteria called Trepenoma Pallidum that can lead to serious complications if left undiagnosed and untreated. Its management is straightforward, when detected early.

stage of syphilis

Primary

usually presents as a firm painless sore/s at the original site of infection around the genitals, or even around the mouth at the initial 3-6 weeks.

Secondary

presents with a skin rash that resembles a ‘copper penny’. It can appear in many forms varying from spots, fine red dots, blotches, blisters to inflamed patches over the palms, soles, arms, legs, and trunk. The mucous membranes can also be involved. Other symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, muscle ache, headache, sore throat, fatigue, weight loss and poor appetite. Symptoms disappear within 2-6 weeks.

Latent

it is further divided into early latent and late latent and there are no visible signs or symptoms

Tertiary

is associated with severe multiple organs being affected, such as heart, brains, eyes, nerves, blood vessels and liver which can appear 10-30 years after the initial infection. Syphilis is also known as a ‘Great Mimicker’. Should you be suspicious of any lesions, do not hesitate to contact your doctor as diagnosis is effortless with only a blood test. Upon confirmation, antibiotic treatment is initiated and a systematic follow up protocol will be scheduled. Early syphilis infection can be treated with good prognosis. At Klinik Procare in Wisma LifeCare, they provide a wholistic management for all patients:

Screening
Counseling & Family Planning
Treatment
Contact Tracing