- Rashes, which can appear on the soles and palms of feet and hands
- Headaches
- Fever
- Appetite and weight loss
- Sore throat
- Muscle aches
The third stage of syphilis can occur anywhere between one year and ten years after the initial infection. During this stage, a person may have many symptoms, that can potentially lead to death, including:
- Tumor-like growths throughout the body and inside the body
- Memory loss
- Mental problems
- Problems walking
- Vision problems
- Infection of the central nervous system
- Loss of feeling in legs and other areas of the body
- Neurological damage, which may result in insanity
Historically, syphilis was treated with mercury that was given via the mouth or by infecting the person with malaria. Since lingering high fevers were known to cure syphilis, malaria was used to cure it because prolonged fevers were a result of malaria. When penicillin was discovered, all these harmful treatments became archaic. Today penicillin is still the most common way to treat syphilis. If you’re allergic to penicillin, doses of tetracycline—an antibiotic—can be used. Damage in the later stages may be permanent, so it is extremely important to properly treat syphilis as early as possible.
The best ways to prevent syphilis is to be as educated as possible about whom you’re having sex with and the risks that sex may bring. Talking with your partner before intercourse can also give you important information to help protect you from sexually transmitted infections. (see related article: "How to Get Peace of Mind Before Getting A Piece of Tail.") Using condoms is a tried and tested way to prevent syphilis and other STIs. When it comes to sex, it is valuable to be aware and educated about the health risks that may follow—syphilis and other STIs. Protecting yourself is just a matter of education.
Helpful Web sites:
cdc.gov/std/syphilis/default.htm
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