SYPHILIS

Syphilis has four stages with specific symptoms. These stages do not necessarily follow one another.

The symptoms of the first phases are :

- appearance of a chancre* on the skin or mucous membranes within 10 to 90 days of infection;

- rashes on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet;

- joint or muscle pain ;

- flu syndrome.

These symptoms disappear on their own after a while, but the infection remains.

When syphilis is left untreated, symptoms related to the consequences of the last stage of syphilis can occur several years after infection.

*Raw, painless area that disappears on its own after a few days or weeks.

If left untreated, individuals infected with syphilis can develop, sometimes years later, a severe form of the infection, which can lead to serious complications such as cardiac and neurological problems, including strokes, loss of coordination, insensitivity, paralysis, loss of vision, or hearing loss. At this stage, syphilis has dramatic health consequences and is associated with a very high mortality rate.

• Blood test ; 
• Smear of lesions when present; 
• Test for immediate results (TROD).

Treatment of syphilis is based on the administration of antibiotics, usually by injection, and results in a complete cure of the infection. However, this treatment does not protect against re-infection, so it is possible to contract syphilis again after treatment.

To prevent yourself from contracting syphilis, you can : 

- use internal or external condoms, latex squares or latex/nitrile gloves. 

- use personal, single-use injection equipment.

- use sterile and/or single-use equipment for tattoos and piercings (needles, ink pots)

Condoms reduce the risk of exposure, but do not offer total protection, as syphilis can be transmitted during sexual touching* and oral sex (practices less often protected).

Syphilis chancre and rashes are highly contagious, so avoid contact with the affected areas. 

A person who has sexual intercourse while suffering from syphilis lesions runs a greater risk of contracting HIV or another STI.

*mutual masturbation and sexual friction

Regular screening for people with multiple partners: syphilis is easy to treat and of no consequence when diagnosed early.