10 THINGS EVERYONE NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT #SYPHILIS!
1️⃣ Syphilis is a Sexually Transmitted Infection, STI. So you get it mainly from having unprotected vaginal, anal or oral #sex!
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@DrOlufunmilayo @healthertainer
2️⃣ Syphilis can also be gotten;
- from mother to her #fetus inside the womb
- through blood transfusion,&
- through breaks in the skin that come into contact with infectious lesions e.g. kissing a person with a mouth wound when you have a wound in your mouth!
3️⃣ #Syphilis may cause symptoms very similar to many other diseases. Hence it may be difficult to know you have syphilis.
That's why the disease is also dubbed "the great imitator"!
4️⃣ #Syphilis is caused by a germ called Treponema palladium.
But the signs & symptoms depend on which of the four stages it presents (which are primary, secondary, latent, & tertiary).
5️⃣ The #primary stage usually presents with a single firm, painless, non-itchy skin ulcer usually in your #genitalia. It is about 1 to 2cm in diameter & called #chancre.
Sometimes, there may be multiple #sores too.
6️⃣ In #secondary syphilis, you have a #rash, , often in your palms 👋 & soles 👣. There may also be sores in the mouth or vagina.
7️⃣ In #latent syphilis there are few or no symptoms. It can last for years. But you can still spread the disease 😷 if you have unprotected sex!
Beware!
8️⃣ In #tertiary syphilis, there are soft, non-cancerous growths called #gummas, causing problems in your nerves &brain 🧠, eye 👀 & heart ❤️!
9️⃣ #Syphilis can be treated with #penicillin. But you must ensure that your sexual partner(s) are also treated otherwise you will be re-infected!
🔟 Best way to prevent #syphilis is to practice #SafeSex:
-Use #condoms in all sex.
-Use latex dental dam or condoms in oral sex.
-Don't share sex #toys or #needles!
-Get #screened for STIs & discuss results with your partners!
❤️Follow @Dr_Atangwho👈 for daily health tips!
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