Oral Syphilis: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and More
How To Know If You Have Syphilis: Can It Be Cured?
The number of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are on the rise in several parts of the world. In the US particularly, syphilis, an infection caused by the bacterium Treponema Pallidum, has been wreaking havoc for the past few years. Preliminary reports from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published September 2023 reveal syphilis cases have increased by 26% from 2020-2021. Furthermore, congenital syphilis, which is passed on from the mother to the foetus in the womb, is the most tragic outcome of the overall syphilis epidemic, with a 464% increase in cases since 2001.
The good news is there are treatments. However, due to lack of awareness around their condition, many do not receive the required treatment and this goes on to have worse consequences. We at OnlyMyHealth spoke to Dr Anusree Gangopadhyay, Consultant Dermatologist, Fortis Anandapur, Kolkata, to understand everything around syphilis and how it can be prevented.
Also Read: Everything You Need To Know About STI And It's Prevention, Doctor Elucidates
Syphilis TransmissionThere are many ways syphilis can spread. The most common ones being through sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral sex) with infectious lesions, via blood transfusion, or from a pregnant woman to her foetus, also known as congenital syphilis, says Dr Gangopadhyay.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 70 lakh adults between 15 and 49 years old acquired syphilis in 2020.
The global health body also suggests that syphilis in pregnancy, when not treated, treated late or treated with the incorrect antibiotic, results in 50−80% of cases with adverse birth outcomes.
Stages Of Syphilis And Symptoms To NoteAs per the CDC, there are four stages of syphilis and each stage has different signs and symptoms. These include:
Primary syphilisThis stage starts with the appearance of a painless sore or ulcer called 'chancre' at the site of infection, often in the genital, anal, or mouth areas. The chancre lasts 3-6 weeks and can easily be treated and cured with medicine.
Secondary syphilisIf left untreated, syphilis can progress to the secondary stage, which involves a wide range of symptoms, including skin rashes, mucous membrane lesions, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and flu-like symptoms. These symptoms reoccur over weeks or months.
The third stage is the latent or the hidden phase where there are no noticeable symptoms. This stage can last for years, and the infection remains in the body.
Tertiary syphilisIn some cases, syphilis can progress to tertiary syphilis, which can be life-threatening. It may affect the heart, brain, nerves, and other organs, leading to serious health complications.
Also Read: Healthy Practices To Curb The Spread Of STIs
Is It Curable?Syphilis is curable. In fact, it is one of four curable STIs according to the WHO. Others include chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and trichomoniasis.
Dr Gangopadhyay says, "It can be effectively treated with antibiotics. However, treatment is most successful in the early stages of the infection."
"It's crucial to get tested and seek medical care if you suspect you have syphilis or have been exposed to it to prevent complications and further transmission," she adds.
Treatment And PreventionIt is important to remember that early syphilis can be cured with an injection of long-acting Benzathine Penicillin G. This comprises latent, primary, and secondary syphilis, explains the doctor.
Treatment will cure the infection and stop further harm; it cannot reverse any harm that has already occurred, she mentions, adding, "The right penicillin preparation must be used to effectively treat and cure syphilis."
But rather than scavenging for a cure, why not prevent the condition in the first place. The doctor says awareness plays a crucial role in maintaining sexual health and preventing STIs.
"Regular STI testing, having open discussions with partners regarding sexual health and consistently practising safe sex methods (like using condoms) are key measures for lowering the chances of contracting syphilis and other STIs," she concludes.
What To Know About Alcohol And Ulcers
Alcohol can erode the stomach lining, which may eventually lead to ulceration. Alcohol consumption may also worsen the symptoms of current stomach ulcers, such as pain, bloating, and vomiting.
Stomach ulcers are open sores in the stomach lining. Although they may cause no symptoms in some people, alcohol can worsen symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and a feeling of fullness.
Doctors may recommend that people avoid alcohol if they are undergoing treatment for stomach ulcers.
This article explains the link between stomach ulcers and alcohol consumption, including risk factors, symptoms, and treatment for stomach ulcers. It will also discuss when to seek medical advice.
According to a 2020 animal study, overconsuming alcohol can cause gastric erosion, which may contribute to the development of stomach ulcers.
However, the United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS) states that the evidence that alcohol causes stomach ulcers is weak. Instead, the NHS suggests that lifestyle factors, such as drinking alcohol, may worsen symptoms of preexisting stomach ulcers.
Alcohol consumption may also lead to a recurrence of ulcers in people who have had effective treatment for peptic ulcer disease.
Risk factors for stomach ulcers indicate that someone has a higher risk than average for developing them. The following factors may increase someone's risk of getting stomach ulcers:
Research does not list alcohol consumption as a risk factor for developing stomach ulcers. However, alcohol can damage the stomach lining, which can eventually lead to erosion and the development of ulcers.
Having the above risk factors does not mean someone will definitely develop stomach ulcers.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a common stomach ulcer treatment. These medications reduce the amount of stomach acid, which can help stomach ulcers to heal.
If PPI therapy is ineffective, doctors may recommend surgical interventions, which may involve removing parts of the stomach. Depending on which parts surgeons remove, the stomach may produce less acid.
Doctors can also recommend surgery if someone has serious stomach ulcer complications, such as perforated ulcers or uncontrolled bleeding.
Anyone with symptoms of stomach ulcers needs to speak with a doctor. Additionally, the NIDDKD states that people with symptoms of stomach ulcer complications should seek immediate medical advice. These symptoms include:
If an individual is concerned about their alcohol consumption, they can also seek a doctor's advice on how to quit or cut back on drinking.
Below are the answers to some frequently asked questions about ulcers and alcohol.
Is it safe to drink alcohol with a stomach ulcer?Alcohol damages the stomach lining, which can lead to gastric erosion. Drinking alcohol may worsen stomach ulcer symptoms, including abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, and bloating.
People with stomach ulcers can speak with their doctor about the healthiest drinking habits to maintain until their ulcer heals.
Can alcohol cause mouth ulcers?Further research is necessary to understand whether alcohol can cause or increase the risk of mouth ulcers.
However, some research suggests that drinking alcohol or using products that contain alcohol, such as mouthwash, could cause pain in people with mouth ulcers.
Stomach ulcers are open sores of the stomach lining. Although current research does not list alcohol as a cause of ulcers, alcohol can lead to gastric erosion, which may develop into ulceration.
Drinking alcohol may also worsen the symptoms of stomach ulcers and mouth ulcers. Symptoms of stomach ulcers may include nausea, abdominal fullness, and pain or discomfort.
The main form of treatment for stomach ulcers is PPI therapy. When this is ineffective, or if there are severe stomach ulcer complications, doctors may instead recommend surgery.
Syphilis Directory
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