Curable STDs - Infections

Syphilis or Lues IV

Syphilis: Secondary stage Syplilitic skin rash Above: Palms of the hands Below: Soles of the feet Skin eruptions of secondary syphilis click on photos.

5. How is it diagnosed?
Syphilis can be diagnosed in two ways:
1. By sampling some material from the chancre (infectious sore) and examining it under a special microscope, the bacteria can be made visible.
2. By testing the blood of the patient. Shortly after infection, the body produces syphilis antibodies that can be detected by a blood test. Because syphilis may not always produce clear symptoms and therefore remain undetected, every pregnant woman should have a blood test for syphilis in order to avoid giving birth to an infected baby.

6. How is it treated?
Syphilis is a very dangerous disease which requires the earliest possible treatment. Fortunately, it is easily curable today, although any damage that has occurred before treatment is started cannot be repaired. The usual treatment consists of one or several penicillin shots. Occasionally, some other antibiotic may be indicated. In order to insure success, follow-up blood tests are necessary. Successful treatment does not result in immunity. A person may catch syphilis again and again.

7. How can it be prevented?
The only certain way to protect oneself against syphilis is to avoid sexual intercourse with an infected partner. However, since there may be no noticeable symptoms and people may therefore have the disease without knowing it, the best advice for any sexually active person is to have regular blood tests (one every 3-6 weeks). Such tests, together with proper treatment (where necessary), are offered free by public health clinics in most countries and cities.