syphilis

syphilis or. syphilis is a well-known and widespread sexually transmitted disease. Mostly it occurs chronically. Since the invention of penicillin, healing or treatment has been beneficial if diagnosed in good time. Syphilis must be reported and should be treated immediately by a doctor.

What is syphilis

syphilis or syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that is very common in the world. However, since penicillin was invented, this chronic disease has been curable to the greatest possible extent. The main cause of syphilis is a bacterium (Treponema pallidum pallidum), which is usually transmitted from one person to another during unprotected sexual intercourse. Unborn babies can also be infected in this way.

Since the successful treatment of syphilis with penicillin, the sexually transmitted disease has become rarer in Germany and Europe. However, medical reports have been mandatory since 2001, even if there is only a suspicion of syphilis. Syphilis occurs more and more in large cities in Germany. About 3% of the German population are infected with syphilis and have already contracted it. Statistically speaking, men are more likely to be affected by syphilis than women and younger people are more likely than older people.

causes

The cause of syphilis is the bacterial infection with Treponema pallidum pallidum. This bacterium can only affect humans. It is transmitted through the mucous membranes and small cracks or injuries in the skin during sexual intercourse. In this case, pregnant women can also contract the unborn child with syphilis.

If left untreated, the syphilis bacteria spread throughout the body and can also affect other organs. Outside a host, the syphilis pathogens can only survive briefly. Since it can take up to two or three weeks for the first symptoms to appear, other people can be infected during this time through unprotected sexual intercourse. The chance of getting infected with a syphilis patient is on average 30 percent.

Symptoms, ailments & signs

Syphilis can show itself in many ways and goes through different phases. Depending on the specific stage, different symptoms can occur. In between there are symptom-free latency phases. Characteristic symptoms are a marked swelling of the lymph nodes and skin changes. About two to four weeks after an infection, small reddened skin nodules form at the entry points of the bacterium.

At first these are often painless, but they can cause severe pain later. After about a week they grow to the size of a coin and secrete a colorless, highly infectious liquid. Typically, these ulcers, known as hard chancre, appear on the penis (often on the glans) in men and on the vagina and labia in women.

However, the anus or the mucous membranes of the mouth can also be affected. If left untreated, they regress after about four to six weeks. In the next stage of syphilis, flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache and body aches, and swelling of the lymph nodes appear.

In addition, there is typically a rash that initially only manifests itself as pink spots, which then develop into copper-colored nodules (papules) and heal by themselves. Often there is a standstill after this stage. After three to five years, however, the pathogens have spread throughout the body and attack the internal organs such as the bloodstream, lungs, liver, stomach, esophagus, muscles, bones and other parts of the body.

Course of disease

The course of syphilis can be divided into four stages. In the first three weeks after an infection, hard but painless ulcers develop at the infection site (mostly penis or vagina). This so-called ulcus durum (hard chancre) is usually not noticed by the person affected.

In the second part of syphilis disease, massive rashes, reddening of the skin and changes in the mucous membrane occur. At this point at the latest, the person affected should consult a doctor. The symptoms often go away for a few years, but then break out again in a particularly strong and dangerous manner. This is also called latent syphilis. The internal organs, such as the heart, can then be particularly damaged. Neurological disorders and bone changes are also possible.

If syphilis is treated in good time, the prognosis for a cure is very favorable nowadays. The chances of recovery are good, especially when using antibiotics (penicillin). However, if the syphilis is more advanced and has reached the stage of neurosyphilis, there is a high probability that the disease can be fatal. But permanent damage such as lifelong paralysis can also turn those affected into a need for care. Spontaneous healing rarely occurs.

Complications

With early treatment, syphilis usually heals without consequences; if left untreated, the disease can cause serious complications and even death. The disease is highly contagious, especially in the first stages, and can be spread further through unprotected sexual intercourse. During pregnancy, the pathogen can pass to the child and lead to congenital syphilis.

Miscarriages or premature births are also possible. A syphilitic infection increases the risk of HIV infection, and the two diseases also have a mutually unfavorable influence on their course. In the advanced stage of syphilis, the pathogens attack the central nervous system: This so-called neurolues is characterized by chronic inflammation of the spinal cord and brain, which can lead to mental impairment, depression or dementia.

Motor disorders, pain in the extremities, personality changes, and urinary and stool continence are also typical signs of neurosyphilis. Other complications can include numbness, eye muscle paralysis, and dizziness. A nodule formation on the main artery as a long-term consequence can lead to an expansion of the aorta decades after the infection (aortic aneurysm).

If this aneurysm bursts, the affected person will bleed to death within a short time. Tissue growths can also damage the skin, mucous membranes and bones; an attack on the liver causes liver inflammation. A Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction with a high fever, headache, and skin rashes can develop as a complication during treatment for syphilis.

When should you go to the doctor?

If the person concerned develops various irregularities and complaints after unprotected sexual contact with another person, a doctor should be consulted. Swelling of the lymph and changes in the skin are considered signs of impairment to health. They should be clarified, since the sexually transmitted disease is a highly contagious disease. Pain, redness or discomfort in the area of ​​the mucous membranes, the anus or the vaginal entrance are considered unusual and should be examined more closely.

If flu-like symptoms occur in the further course, this is also to be understood as a warning signal from the organism. If you have a fever, headache or general malaise, a doctor is needed. Dysfunction of the organism, swellings or ulcers are further signs of an existing disease. At an advanced stage of the disease, mobility restrictions or hair loss can occur.

Since syphilis can lead to a premature death of the person affected if the disease progresses unfavorably or there is the possibility of developing lifelong damage such as paralysis, a doctor should be consulted at the first signs. A general feeling of illness or suspicion of infection should be discussed with a doctor. It is also advisable to have check-ups at regular intervals when practicing unprotected sexual activities.

Treatment, therapy & prevention

If you suspect syphilis a doctor should be consulted immediately. If the sexually transmitted disease is actually present, it is usually treated with the antibiotic penicillin. The medically prescribed dosage should be strictly adhered to by the patient in order to exclude permanent damage.

The duration of treatment depends on the severity and advanced stage of the syphilis. Usually two to three weeks are sufficient for therapy. Side effects are mostly headache, muscle pain (similar to sore muscles) and fever. A vaccination against syphilis is not yet available. Therefore, protected sexual intercourse, e.g. through condoms, are preferred. You should also watch out for syphilis pathogens when donating blood.

Aftercare

In the vast majority of cases, the drugs - especially antibiotics - have to be taken even after the symptoms have subsided. The aim is to completely relieve the symptoms over the long term. In the case of children, parents in particular are encouraged to ensure that they are taken continuously and correctly. In the follow-up care, it is fundamentally important to include the partner as well - even if he or she has not yet been found to be infected.

During this time, even protected sexual intercourse should be taboo - this way a smear infection can be excluded. With syphilis, there is usually no spontaneous healing. Even malignant degeneration cannot be ruled out if it persists for a long time. Regular long-term follow-ups appear to be inevitable due to the high risk of recurrence.

After syphilis therapy, antibodies in the blood are again determined at certain times. This is to prevent the infection from germinating again. If the sexually transmitted disease was already at an advanced stage before, i.e. before treatment, the six-month check of both the serum and CSF values ​​is mandatory - this over a period of three years. As a rule, further measures are not necessary, whereby the life expectancy of the person affected is not reduced - always assuming a very quick diagnosis and corresponding timely treatment.

You can do that yourself

In the case of notifiable illness, it is essential to work with a doctor.In the context of self-help, particular care should be taken in the case of sexual contact with another person. The sexual partner must be informed of the presence of the disease. In addition, adequate protective measures must be taken in the event of sexual contact.

Since in many cases the disease is only noticed at an advanced stage, previous sexual partners should be informed about the diagnosis. You yourself also have to undergo medical tests and in turn contact former sexual partners. Unprotected sexual intercourse should be avoided at all costs.

Since the disease usually shows a chronic course, the immune system must be supported. A healthy lifestyle is advisable through a diet rich in vitamins and the avoidance of harmful substances. The use of nicotine, drugs, non-prescribed medication, or alcohol can have a significant impact on further development. However, a normal weight, sufficient exercise, restful sleep and mental strength are helpful. Everyday stressors should be reduced to a minimum.

Dealing with the disease is especially difficult when the unborn child has also been infected. Nevertheless, calm is to be kept and a confident handling is necessary. Precautions should be taken to prevent further transmission.