Alyssa Emanuelson, MS, MA, ATC Syphillis Alyssa Emanuelson, MS, MA, ATC

Syphilis is: 63,450 reported as new cases each year Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that can have very serious complications when left untreated, but it is simple to cure with the right treatment. 63,450 reported as new cases each year

Under a microscope

Basic Facts: Direct contact with a syphilis sore during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Sores can be found on the penis, vagina, anus, in the rectum, or on the lips and in the mouth. Syphilis can also be spread from an infected mother to her unborn baby Transmitted from person to person by direct contact with a syphilitic sore, known as a chancre. Chancres occur mainly on the external genitals, vagina, anus, or in the rectum. Chancres also can occur on the lips and in the mouth. Transmission of syphilis occurs during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Pregnant women with the disease can transmit it to their unborn child

Chancres

Chancres

Chancres

The Great “Imitator” So many possible symptoms, many of which look like symptoms from other diseases  Painless syphilis sore that you would get after you are first infected can be confused for an ingrown hair, zipper cut, or other seemingly harmless bump itchy body rash that develops during the second stage of syphilis can show up on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet, all over your body, or in just a few places affect the eye and can lead to permanent blindness May have a lot of symptoms or none at all

How can you avoid syphilis? NOT have sex. Vaginal, Oral, or anal LT Monogamous Relationship w/someone that’s tested negative for STDs Latex condoms every time you have sex

Who is at risk for syphilis? Sexually active and unprotected sex

S/S of Syphilis Primary Stage Single or possibly multiple sores at site where syphilis entered the body Firm, round, and painless sore Lasts 3-6 weeks

S/S of Syphilis Secondary Stage Skin rashes and/or sores in your mouth, vagina, or anus (also called mucous membrane lesions) Rash can show up when your primary sore is healing or several weeks after the sore has healed Rough, red, or reddish brown spots on the palms of your hands and/or the bottoms of your feet Can include fever, swollen lymph glands, sore throat, patchy hair loss, headaches, weight loss, muscle aches, and fatigue (feeling very tired)

Secondary Rash

Secondary Rash

S/S of Syphilis Latent and Late Stages Earlier s/s disappear occur 10–30 years after your infection began. Symptoms of the late stage of syphilis include difficulty coordinating your muscle movements, paralysis (not able to move certain parts of your body), numbness, blindness, and dementia (mental disorder). In the late stages of syphilis, the disease damages your internal organs and can result in death.

Latent Syphilis

Latent Syphilis

Impact of Latent Syphilis No S/S present will continue to tertiary syphilis: -10–30 years after infection was first acquired, and it can be fatal. Tertiary syphilis can affect multiple organ systems, including the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones, and joints

Tertiary Syphilis Neurological problems Syphilis can cause a number of problems with your nervous system, including: Stroke Meningitis Hearing loss Visual problems Dementia Loss of pain and temperature sensations Sexual dysfunction in men (impotence) Bladder incontinence Sudden, lightning-like pains

Tertiary Syphilis Cardiovascular problems These may include bulging (aneurysm) and inflammation of the aorta — your body's major artery — and of other blood vessels. Syphilis may also damage heart valves.