Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that can be transmitted through oral, vaginal, and anal sex. Oral syphilis can cause sores, lesions, and erosions in the mouth, which can lead to life-threatening complications if left untreated. Treatment with antibiotics is effective in the early stages.
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that presents with symptoms such as sores, fever, weight loss, and fatigue. Syphilis can be transmitted through oral, vaginal and anal sex. When the disease is transmitted through oral-genital contact, it can manifest symptoms on the lips, gums and tongue. It is not common to give or receive oral syphilis and the symptoms can be mistaken for other diseases. Untreated syphilis can lead to life-threatening complications, including organ damage and death, and it is imperative that any individual suspected of having oral or traditional syphilis seek the advice of a healthcare professional.
The first stage of syphilis is characterized by an open sore known as a chancre. In oral syphilis, the sore is found in the mouth, most commonly on the lip and occasionally on the tongue. Although syphilis tumors are often painless and easy to miss, they can be painful and ulcerated. The sore is most likely to appear about three weeks after exposure and will heal without treatment. If left untreated, oral syphilis will likely progress from stage one to stage two at this point.
Lesions and erosions of the mouth are commonly reported during the secondary stage of oral syphilis. There may also be a headache or fever and a rash that forms around the mouth. The reddish sores can spread around the face and scalp, and severe cases can result in permanent scarring and disfigurement from the facial lesions. Abnormal hair loss, swollen glands and weight loss may also be observed.
When syphilis is left untreated, it progresses from the second stage to the latent stage, where symptoms disappear while the disease remains within the body. From this point the infection can continue to the advanced stage. Advanced stage oral syphilis can lead to devastating complications such as organ damage, mental illness, blindness and paralysis. Late-stage syphilis can even result in death. For this reason, it is imperative that a person who is exposed to the disease, or who engages in behavior that puts it at risk, is examined by a doctor.
Treatment of oral syphilis in the early stages is usually simple and straightforward. The disease is caused by a bacterium and can be treated with antibiotics. The duration of antibiotic therapy and the amount of drug prescribed vary according to the stage of the disease. If the infection has progressed to an advanced stage, the deterioration of the organs and body cannot be reversed. Treatment will prevent the disease from causing further damage.
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