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Conditions

Syphilis

Secondary Syphilis sores

When syphilis (once known as ‘the pox’) was first recorded in Europe in 1495, it was said that “its pustules often covered the body from the head to the knees, caused flesh to fall from people’s faces, and led to death within a few months.” This language might sound overly dramatic and darkly medieval, but syphilis is still, to this day, a nasty and potentially fatal sexually transmitted bacterial infection best avoided. The infection is typically passed through sexual contact, but can also be passed on by intravenous drug use, blood transfusions, or from an infected mother to her unborn child (known as congenital syphilis). In the UK, syphilis is relatively uncommon. However, in recent years the numbers of cases diagnosed in men and women has increased (1,607% from 1997 to 2006). Treatment usually involves a two-week course of penicillin injections or, in some cases, antibiotic tablets or capsules. But preventative treatment is probably best. Yeah, you guessed it…wear a condom.

What the Men in White Coats Say

Comments and Questions

The EB doctors have been looking at your comments and have answered some of the common questions below. Remember that it is always best to check with a health professional if you have any concerns about your health.

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pretty out there but recently i had unrotected sex with a girl on a night out i know seriosly risky, and not the norm for me but basicly i have come up with a single ulcer type sore wich doesnt hurt to touch but i have slight pain when urinating its not a large sore also have had slight clear dishcharge the gland on my thigh has come up have a sore throat and a ulcer in my mouth!! pretty worried truggling to sleep. i have got in contact with the girl to express my concern she said she has had a sexual health check up recently and it came up clear she has none of these syptoms pretty baffeled at the moment could do with knowing what it could possibly be!.





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hi could you please help me, i have blisters that is inside my vaginal area but they are not sore or anything but everytime i brush my hair its falling out, and i have patches on my arm that wont go away. i am very worried it is syphilis? could this be it





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is syphilis meant to be sore?





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hi i'm 39, basically any time pre-cum or semen is present i end up with an itchy rash & flacky skin rubbings on my penis end, i also have pains in my right groin every day. any suggestions





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Hi, many years ago i tested positive for syphilis or gonorrhea, I can't remember which. Recently, I had a health check up, VDRL and TPHA were both negative, FTA was positive. I have read that if you have a had previous sti, then FTA will always be positive. Is that right or do I have another infection?





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hi i was diagnosed with syphillis about 2/3 month ago i had three injections,it seemed to calm it down,but now i have noticed a rash all over my back and other parts of my body.im just wondering what the next course of treatment would be.thanks





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iv had spots on the inside of my thighs for a few years now and they get very sore and when i burst them yellow puss comes out and then thy bleed please help because i dont know what to do and i really dont want to go to my doctor





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i am being treated for syphilis and im just wondering how long it takes for the rash to go?? thanks





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thats what i would liketo no?

hi i keep gettin red lumps on my vagina the dont always go away but some are sore and some arent the keep apearing and it makes me feel dirty wat r they ? wen i burst them it bleeds and a little puss comes out.





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are u shaving?? it could be ingrown hairs

i have this one grey looking spot or a rising that has no pain with no itching and fluidless,,its between the glan and shaft of my penis. i really dont what the exact name of it.





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Thank you for visiting our web site and for discussing your problem so openly. If you would like the opportunity to be seen by one of the Embarrassing Bodies Doctors and have your problems assessed and treated by a specialist, then why not apply for the chance to take part in the programme. Please visit the following link and click ‘Apply to be on the show’ where you can fill in an application form: http://www.channel4embarrassingillnesses.com/features/be-on-embarrassing-bodies/





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It looks like no one else has asked this question, so please fill in the rest of your details below.





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Content supplied by NHS Choices

Syphilis is a bacterial infection that is typically passed through sexual contact. However, it can be passed on by intravenous drug use (injecting drugs directly into the vein), blood transfusions and from an infected mother to her unborn child. The latter is known as congenital syphilis. Read More »

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