Symptoms of secondary syphilis and prevention of complications

Secondary syphilis (lues) is a period of syphilis that occurs in the absence of treatment of the primary stage. The causative agent of the disease, Treponema pallidum, spreads throughout the body, leading to damage to the skin, internal organs, nervous and musculoskeletal systems, as well as lymph nodes.

The disease enters the secondary stage 2-3 months after the appearance of chancre and can last up to 5 years. At this time, rashes appear and disappear on their own, and various functions in the body are gradually disrupted. If left untreated, the pathology develops into tertiary syphilis.

Causes of secondary syphilis

Syphilis infection occurs through sexual contact, during unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person.

Once on the mucous membrane, spirochetes cause an inflammatory process and the appearance of hard chancre. If no measures are taken, the chancre will heal on its own, and the pathogen will begin to spread throughout the body.

If the immune system is weakened, the spirochetes begin to divide again and infect surrounding cells, which leads to an exacerbation of the disease.

Periods and classification

The following types of pathology are distinguished:

1. Fresh syphilis. It develops immediately after the primary form and is accompanied by a rash and inflammation of the lymph node tissue. The resolution of erosive chancre occurs.
2. Hidden. It is asymptomatic and can last from several days to 3-4 months.
3. Recurrent. With this form of pathology, an asymptomatic course with periodic exacerbations is observed. The patient is bothered by rashes.

The disease is also classified according to the type of rash, it can be:

• spotted;
• papular;
• pustular;
• mixed.

The spotted rash is also called syphilitic roseola. It is a spot on the skin with clear boundaries. The size of the formation can vary from a couple of millimeters to a centimeter, and the shade from soft pink to scarlet.

Often with secondary syphilis there is a papular-pustular form. Patients also experience specific rashes called the necklace of Venus. It is leukoderma that affects the neck, upper chest and back.

Papular form

A papule is a type of rash that looks like nodules, it is dense, accompanied by peeling of the skin, and has clear boundaries. The rashes appear separately from each other, but when scratched or rubbed with clothing they merge, forming flaky spots. They go away after 1-2 months, or when treatment is started.

The papular form is divided into several types:

1. Miliary. Small rashes similar to goose bumps.
2. Coin-shaped. Large voluminous rashes, similar to a coin.
3. Lenticular. The size of a pea, it flakes and forms a Biette collar.
4. Ring-shaped. Rings form.
5. Seborrheic. They affect the scalp and are often accompanied by baldness.
6. Erosive. Weeping sores form on the skin, they are very contagious.
7. Condylomas. The rash grows like a cauliflower and is soft to the touch.
8. Syphilitic callus. It is formed in the area of ​​the palms and soles, as the skin in these areas is rough.
9. Psoriasiform. The rash is very scaly, like psoriasis.

At first glance, it is very difficult to understand that the rash is caused by lues, so proper diagnosis is required.

Pustular form

A pustule is a rash that contains pus inside, which is why it is also called purulent. It occurs rarely in people with weak immune systems, especially in HIV-infected people, drug addicts and alcoholics. Such rashes are accompanied by a deterioration in general condition, elevated body temperature, and headaches. This is due to intoxication of the body against the background of a purulent process.

The following types of pustular rash are distinguished:

1. Acne. Pimples with white contents appear on the back and arms, which leave small scars.
2. Smallpox. Pimples are large, up to 6 mm in diameter, and form on the folds and face.
3. Impetiginous. Nodules with purulent contents form, which merge to form plaques.
4. Ecthymic-like. Nodules are formed, which merge together and disintegrate, forming large brown crusts, syphilitic ecthymas.
5. Rupioid. Large purulent crusts, which consist of several layers.

All papular rashes heal with the formation of scars. The depth of the scars depends on the depth and area of ​​the lesion.

Leukoderma

Syphilitic leukoderma is more common in women and affects the neck, chest, upper back, and sometimes the abdomen and lower back. The rash can be spotted, reticulated and marbled.

The reason for its appearance is a disorder of the nervous system, which leads to changes in skin pigmentation. Treponema pallidum cannot be detected in such rashes.

Leucoderma can bother the patient for years, but the disorder does not create an unfavorable prognosis. Unlike the purulent form, leucoderma does not leave scars and does not cause severe complications or death.

With recurrent secondary syphilis, leukoderma disappears on its own and appears again. The manifestation goes away without a trace with adequate treatment of syphilis after 3 months and no longer bothers.

Main symptoms of secondary syphilis

The clinical manifestations of secondary syphilis are varied. First, the patient is concerned about general symptoms:

• headache;
• chills;
• pain in muscles and joints;
• increased body temperature;
• weakness, drowsiness.

Symptoms of STDs bother the patient for a week, then rashes appear, which are called secondary syphilides. Unlike allergic manifestations, such rashes are not accompanied by itching, or the itching is very mild.

Most often, patients are bothered by roseola; these are small spots up to a cm in diameter that affect the face, feet and hands. When you press on the stain, it disappears. Rarely does roseola peel off or become voluminous.

Some patients develop lenticular papular syphilide, and then peeling of the skin is a concern. With a purulent lesion, painful pimples and weeping purulent wounds form. Leukoderma or the necklace of Venus appears in a recurrent form. Then spots form on the neck. They are round and dark brown.

When the scalp is damaged, hair nutrition is disrupted, which provokes progressive baldness (alopecia). Syphilitic baldness develops 6 months after the appearance of primary signs of the disease. Hair falls out in parts; this process is not accompanied by itching and burning. With adequate treatment, bald spots quickly heal and hair stops falling out.

A secondary infectious disease leads to damage to internal organs:

• The liver enlarges and becomes painful.
• Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, gastritis. Accompanied by upset stool and stomach pain, especially when eating junk food.
• Kidney pathologies - frequent urination, lower back pain, protein in the urine.
• Disruption of the nervous system. Disturbing sleep disorders, mood swings, increased irritability.
• Bone damage, inflammation of the periosteum. I am bothered by pain at night in the affected area.
• Joint damage, arthritis. I am worried about pain in the joints, the skin around is swollen and red.

If left untreated, neurosyphilis develops, a tertiary form of lyues. This condition leads to disability as irreversible changes occur in the brain and nervous system. The patient suffers from paralysis and dementia.

Diagnosis of the disease

Secondary syphilides do not manifest themselves specifically; the rash can easily be confused with another disease. Therefore, laboratory tests must be carried out:

1. Analysis of skin scrapings in the affected area.
2. Lymph node biopsy.
3. Puncture of cerebrospinal fluid and its examination.
4. Serological reactions - RIF, RIBT, RPGA.

In the secondary stage of the pathology, internal organs are damaged, so the patient needs to be examined by specialized specialists: a gastroenterologist, ophthalmologist, ENT specialist, urologist, and also undergo an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity and pelvic organs, kidneys, fluorography and other studies prescribed by doctors.

Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnosis of syphilis is necessary, since the symptoms are very diverse. It is necessary to distinguish pathology from other infectious diseases accompanied by a rash:

• Rubella - a small red rash forms.
• Measles - a small red rash that bothers you.
• Typhoid - manifestations are similar to pustular syphilides.
• Chicken pox - papules similar to syphilides, etc. are formed.

It is also necessary to differentiate syphilis from dermatological pathologies:

• Psoriasis, which causes scaly patches.
• Toxicoderma - papules form.
• Acne, etc.

A rash similar to syphilides can be provoked by fungal diseases, for example, skin candidiasis and pityriasis versicolor. Condylomas lata are similar to papillomas caused by HPV. If the oral cavity is affected, it is necessary to distinguish syphilis from stomatitis and sore throat, laryngitis, and thrush.

Treatment of secondary syphilis

Treatment of secondary syphilis is medication based on antibiotics. Syphilis secundaria is sensitive to penicillins, which are the drugs of choice. Prescribe Benzathine-benzylpenicillin 2.4 ml intramuscularly for 10 days.

If the patient is intolerant to penicillin, then the antibiotic is changed to tetracycline in the form of tablets of 500 mg 4 times a day, 2 weeks. Or prescribe Erythromycin 500 mg 4 times a day, 2 weeks. In case of a latent form of pathology, treatment may be longer; the doctor prescribes a second course of therapy.

Ceftriaxone intramuscularly is effective for this disease; it cannot be prescribed if you are intolerant to penicillin. This is due to the increased risk of cross-reaction.

Treatment of the secondary form of pathology, especially when internal organs are damaged, should be carried out in a hospital setting. It is very important to follow the drug dosage regimen, as well as monitor the effectiveness of therapy. If these rules are not followed, the disease will progress to the tertiary stage.

In addition to the main therapy, local remedies are prescribed - ointments, lotions and physiotherapy. Purulent ulcers are treated with an antiseptic and ointments with an antimicrobial component are applied to stop the pathological process.

Leucoderma does not need to be treated with an antiseptic; such actions are completely useless, because there is no pathogen in the skin. The spots will disappear forever only after a course of antibiotic treatment, on their own.

If internal organs are damaged, additional treatment is prescribed by a specialist. For gastritis, it is necessary to carry out medication and follow a diet. Liver pathology is treated with the use of liver restoration products, etc.

Prevention

To prevent infection, you must:

• protect yourself with a condom;
• avoid promiscuity;
• use only personal towels, washcloths, and underwear.

Prevention of secondary pathology consists of timely diagnosis and treatment of primary syphilis.

If a person has a risky sex life and often changes sexual partners, he needs to be regularly tested for STDs, even if a condom is used during sexual contact.

It must be remembered that the incubation period lasts from 2 weeks to several months, during which time the disease does not manifest itself in any way.

If a chancre has formed on the genitals, or the discharge has changed, or there is itching or pain during intercourse, you should consult a doctor immediately. Women visit a gynecologist or venereologist, men visit a urologist or venereologist.

The treatment provided to the patient must comply with health care standards. Recommendations are given by a venereologist, and the patient must follow all of them. You cannot stop taking antibiotics if your sensations change; the course of treatment must be complete. If you break this rule, the spirochetes will survive and the disease will gradually progress.

Lues is a very dangerous disease, which in the absence of adequate treatment leads to disability of the patient. The sooner therapy begins, the greater the chance of avoiding irreversible consequences.

1. MedCenterService (17 branches)
   Phone: 8 (495) 324-88-22
2. SM-Clinic (13 branches)
   Phone: 8 (495) 292-63-14
3. Best Clinic (3 branches)
   Phone: 8 (495) 023-33-00
4. Health Academy
   Phone: 8 (495) 162-57-77
5. Paid medical center for dermatology and venereology
   Phone: 8 (495) 532-66-57

Sources

• http://polovye-infekcii.ru/sifilis/sifiliticheskaya-syip
• http://www.krasotaimedicina.ru/diseases/zabolevanija_venereology/secondary-syphilis
• https://womanadvice.ru/vtorichnyy-siphilis
• http://polovye-infekcii.ru/sifilis/ozherele-veneryi-samoe-izvestnoe-kozhnoe-proyavlenie-sifilisa
• https://www.nastroy.net/post/kak-vyiglyadit-syip-pri-sifilise-syip-pri-sifilise-priznaki-vidyi-i-osobennosti-lecheniya
• https://medaboutme.ru/zdorove/publikacii/stati/sovety_vracha/vtorichnyy_sifilis_priznaki_etoy_infektsii/

Source: https://venerolog-info.ru/vtorichnyj-siphilis/

Why is secondary syphilis dangerous and how to detect it?

Treponema pallidum, which is the causative agent of syphilis, can cause quite a lot of inconvenience to an infected person.

Not only does the disease lead to serious consequences, but also the social reaction is not very attractive - they try to avoid such a patient, considering him one of the lumpen, that is, a representative of the lower strata of society.

Moreover, like many other diseases, syphilis has several stages. Let's figure out what it is - a secondary form of an insidious disease (it is also called recurrent syphilis).

What is secondary syphilis?

Primary syphilis, that is, its initial stage, sometimes occurs secretly, but most often the symptoms are clearly visible.

The secondary stage is characterized by deeper penetration of the infection into the body, which leads to somatic damage to internal organs, especially the nervous system and musculoskeletal system. This happens approximately 2-3 months after the main infection.

In women, this disease develops much more slowly, which makes it difficult to diagnose and prevent further complications. You can find out what treatment methods are available, the main causes of infection and diagnostic methods.

But before the body’s defenses are defeated, the virus begins to form spores, which leads to the absence of symptoms characteristic of the primary form of syphilis.

However, over time, the symptoms return, albeit in a slightly different form.

Periods

Depending on the behavior of treponema in the body and the timing of the development of the disease, doctors distinguish two main periods of development of the secondary form of syphilis:

• Latent (hidden) syphilis. It is impossible to detect the disease in this period by external signs - all clinical manifestations disappear for about 2-4 months. The disease can only be detected through tests, but not all people go to hospitals: no symptoms, no disease. This is a big mistake.
• Recurrent syphilis. If we are talking about a fresh secondary form (the so-called fresh syphilis), that is, one that occurs immediately after the end of the primary stage, then the clinical symptoms remain - hard chancre, rash, ulcers are present. But with the onset of the latent period, the signs disappear, appearing again only with recurrent exacerbations.

Please note that the symptoms that occur during the recurrent period of syphilis are less abundant than during fresh syphilis and its primary form. All ulcers and spots are quite large; they form arcs, half rings, garlands and other shapes.

Causes

Let's assume that a certain patient was able to detect syphilis at an early stage, underwent examination and treatment. The symptoms have all gone away, the person considers himself completely healthy. But somewhere in the depths of his body, undestroyed pale treponema lurked.

They have suffered greatly from antibiotics and restored immunity, but they do not want to leave the body. As soon as favorable conditions are created, microorganisms will immediately begin to multiply again, which leads to re-infection and the second stage of syphilis.

Such provoking factors include:

• penetration of new treponemes into the body;
• severe stress;
• cancer;
• any other infectious disease not properly treated.

This is if the patient was treated. If left untreated, syphilis begins to penetrate even deeper, affecting various organs and systems. At this stage, the bacteria change somewhat, the symptoms of the disease temporarily disappear, and the person feels well.

Thus, the causes of secondary syphilis include:

1. “weak” treatment in the early stages;
2. development of infection in the complete absence of therapeutic measures.

Symptoms

At the stage of secondary syphilis, Treponema pallidum reaches the peak of its development. For some time after the disease passes into this form, the symptoms disappear, but soon return again (unless we are talking about a latent disease). The signs can be identified as follows:

• widespread skin rashes;
• the rash becomes burgundy in color;
• all formations are dense and have clear boundaries;
• over time, the rashes go away on their own, leaving no scars or other “reminders” on the skin;
• muscle aches;
• weakness;
• insomnia;
• headache.

Also, some patients experience an increase in temperature, and it both rises and falls suddenly and without outside intervention.

Diagnostics

Based on the medical history and analysis of skin rashes, the doctor can only draw preliminary conclusions; an accurate diagnosis cannot be made in this way. The fact is that such neoplasms in combination with other symptoms (headaches, weakness, etc.)

) are inherent in some other diseases, including sexually transmitted diseases. Thus, a final diagnosis can only be made through testing. All tests used by specialists are serological. Others will not be able to show the correct result.

Skin scrapings (in the area of ​​rashes) are used as biomaterial. Conventionally, all studies of the resulting “product” can be divided into non-treponemal (substitutes of the microorganism are used) and treponemal, that is, using the real causative agent of syphilis. The first category includes:

The methods are quite simple, but often give false readings. Another group of studies includes:

These tests are expensive, but the results are more than accurate.

It is almost impossible to detect syphilis in a fetus in the womb . One can only draw some conclusions in accordance with the health status of the pregnant woman. But you can diagnose syphilis in a newborn baby:

1. At the age of 3 months, the baby is examined by highly specialized specialists, and if signs of syphilis are detected, treatment begins.
2. A repeated study of biomaterials in such a situation is carried out at the age of six months. If syphilis has not been detected, then a second visit to the doctor will take place only at 9 months.

Treatment

Treatment of the disease is carried out only with antibacterial drugs. Treponema pallidum is most sensitive to penicillin and its derivatives. Usually doctors prescribe injections of bicillin 5 (it costs no more than 100 rubles). But it happens that the patient has intolerance to penicillin derivatives. The situation is complex, but not critical; there are substitutes:

• erythromycin (price about 150 rubles);
• doxycycline (costs around 20 rubles);
• tetracycline (price usually does not exceed 100 rubles).

In addition to these antibiotics, doctors prescribe vitamin complexes and immunomodulators. This is necessary to maintain the body's defenses, which can provide significant assistance in the fight against secondary syphilis.

Consequences and prevention

Syphilis is one of those diseases that does not go away without leaving a trace for a person. People who encounter its secondary form subsequently “get” the following complications:

• non-healing scars on the skin;
• baldness;
• infertility;
• chronic digestive disorders;
• kidney and liver problems.

In rare cases, Treponema pallidum affects vision and hearing, as well as the heart muscle. In addition, some people who have recovered from syphilis suffer from dementia, because the disease affects the central nervous system.

You can protect yourself from these consequences. But syphilis is easier to prevent than to completely cure. For prevention you should:

1. exclude unprotected sexual contacts with casual partners;
2. observe the rules of personal hygiene;
3. monitor the state of your immunity;
4. diversify your diet with protein and plant foods;
5. undergo regular preventive examinations.

Don't forget to tell your children about these simple rules. Remember that you can get sick not only after casual sex, but in everyday life. These measures will reduce the risk of disease and give you peace of mind and good mood!

You can watch this video, where a specialist will talk about secondary syphilis, what are the main signs of this disease, and you will also learn in more detail about the consequences.

Source: https://myvenerolog.com/spisok-boleznej/bakterialnye-infektsii/sifilis/vtorichnyj.html

Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that has a long, wave-like course and affects all organs. The clinical picture of the disease begins with the appearance of hard chancre (primary syphiloma) at the site of infection, enlargement of regional and then distant lymph nodes. Characteristic is the appearance of syphilitic rashes on the skin and mucous membranes, which are painless, do not itch, and occur without fever. In the future, all internal organs and systems can be affected, which leads to irreversible changes and even death. Treatment of syphilis is carried out by a venereologist; it is based on systemic and rational antibiotic therapy.

Syphilis (Lues) is an infectious disease that has a long, undulating course. In terms of the extent of damage to the body, syphilis is classified as a systemic disease, and in terms of the main route of transmission it is considered a sexually transmitted disease.

Syphilis affects the entire body: the skin and mucous membranes, the cardiovascular, central nervous, digestive, and musculoskeletal systems. Untreated or poorly treated syphilis can last for years, alternating periods of exacerbations and latent periods.

During the active period, syphilis manifests itself on the skin, mucous membranes and internal organs; during the latent period, it practically does not manifest itself in anything.

Syphilis ranks first among all infectious diseases (including STIs), in terms of incidence, infectiousness, degree of harm to health, and certain difficulties in diagnosis and treatment.

Syphilis

The causative agent of syphilis is the microorganism pale spirochete (treponema - Treponema pallidum). The pale spirochete has the appearance of a curved spiral, is capable of moving in different ways (translationally, rotationally, flexibly and wavy), reproduces by transverse division, and is painted with aniline dyes in a pale pink color.

The pale spirochete (treponema) finds optimal conditions in the human body in the lymphatic tract and lymph nodes, where it actively multiplies, and appears in the blood in high concentrations at the stage of secondary syphilis. The microbe survives for a long time in a warm and humid environment (optimum.

t = 37°C, in wet underwear up to several days), resistant to low temperatures (in the tissues of corpses - viable for 1-2 days).

The pale spirochete dies when dried, heated (55°C - after 15 minutes, 100°C - instantly), when treated with disinfectants, solutions of acids, alkalis.

A patient with syphilis is contagious during any period of illness, especially during periods of primary and secondary syphilis, accompanied by manifestations on the skin and mucous membranes.

Syphilis is transmitted through contact of a healthy person with a sick person through secretions (sperm during sexual intercourse, milk - in nursing women, saliva during a kiss) and blood (through direct blood transfusion, during operations - from medical staff, using a shared straight razor, a shared syringe - from drug addicts).

The main route of transmission of syphilis is sexual (95-98% of cases). Less common is an indirect household route of infection - through wet household items and personal belongings (for example, from sick parents to children). There have been cases of intrauterine transmission of syphilis to a child from a sick mother.

A necessary condition for infection is the presence in the patient’s secretions of a sufficient number of pathogenic forms of pale spirochetes and a violation of the integrity of the epithelium of the mucous membranes and skin of his partner (microtraumas: wounds, scratches, abrasions).

The course of syphilis is long-term, wave-like, with alternating periods of active and latent manifestations of the disease. In the development of syphilis, periods are distinguished that differ in the set of syphilides - various forms of skin rashes and erosions that appear in response to the introduction of pale spirochetes into the body.

It begins from the moment of infection and lasts on average 3-4 weeks. Pale spirochetes spread through the lymphatic and circulatory tract throughout the body, multiply, but clinical symptoms do not appear.

Extension occurs when taking medications that somewhat inactivate the causative agents of syphilis.

Lasts 6-8 weeks, characterized by the appearance of pale spirochetes of primary syphiloma or chancre at the site of penetration and subsequent enlargement of nearby lymph nodes.

Can last from 2 to 5 years. Internal organs, tissues and systems of the body are damaged, generalized rashes appear on the mucous membranes and skin, and baldness occurs. This stage of syphilis occurs in waves, with periods of active manifestations followed by periods of absence of symptoms. There are secondary fresh, secondary recurrent and latent syphilis.

Latent (latent) syphilis does not have skin manifestations of the disease, signs of specific damage to internal organs and the nervous system, and is determined only by laboratory tests (positive serological reactions).

It is now rare and occurs in the absence of treatment years after the lesion. Characterized by irreversible damage to internal organs and systems, especially the central nervous system. It is the most severe period of syphilis, leading to disability and death.

It is detected by the appearance of tubercles and nodes (gummas) on the skin and mucous membranes, which, when disintegrating, disfigure the patient.

They are divided into syphilis of the nervous system - neurosyphilis and visceral syphilis, in which internal organs are damaged (brain and spinal cord, heart, lungs, stomach, liver, kidneys).

A chancre is a single, round-shaped erosion or ulcer, which has clear, smooth edges and a shiny bluish-red bottom, painless and non-inflamed.

The chancre does not increase in size, has scanty serous contents or is covered with a film or crust; a dense, painless infiltrate is felt at its base. Hard chancre does not respond to local antiseptic therapy.

Chancre can be located on any part of the skin and mucous membranes (anal area, oral cavity - lips, corners of the mouth, tonsils; mammary gland, lower abdomen, fingers), but most often it is located on the genitals.

Usually in men - on the head, foreskin and shaft of the penis, inside the urethra; in women - on the labia, perineum, vagina, cervix. The size of the chancre is about 1 cm, but can be dwarf - the size of a poppy seed and gigantic (d = 4-5 cm).

Chancres can be multiple, in the case of numerous small lesions of the skin and mucous membranes at the time of infection, sometimes bipolar (on the penis and lips). When a chancre appears on the tonsils, a condition resembling a sore throat occurs, in which the temperature does not rise and the throat almost does not hurt.

The painlessness of chancre allows patients not to notice it and not attach any importance. Soreness is distinguished by a slit-like chancre in the fold of the anus, and a chancre - felon on the nail phalanx of the fingers.

During the period of primary syphilis, complications (balanitis, gangrenization, phimosis) may occur as a result of the addition of a secondary infection. Uncomplicated chancre, depending on the size, heals after 1.5 - 2 months, sometimes before signs of secondary syphilis appear.

5-7 days after the appearance of chancre, uneven enlargement and hardening of the lymph nodes closest to it (usually inguinal) develops. It can be unilateral or bilateral; the nodes are not inflamed, painless, have an ovoid shape and can reach the size of a chicken egg.

Towards the end of the period of primary syphilis, specific polyadenitis develops - an enlargement of most subcutaneous lymph nodes. Patients may experience malaise, headache, insomnia, fever, arthralgia, muscle pain, neurotic and depressive disorders.

In some cases, this process occurs without fever or malaise, and the patient does not notice the transition from the primary stage of syphilis to the secondary stage.

Secondary syphilis

Secondary syphilis begins 2-4 months after infection and can last from 2 to 5 years. Characterized by generalization of infection.

At this stage, all systems and organs of the patient are affected: joints, bones, nervous system, hematopoietic organs, digestion, vision, hearing.

The clinical symptom of secondary syphilis is rashes on the skin and mucous membranes, which are widespread (secondary syphilides). The rash may be accompanied by body aches, headache, fever and may feel like a cold.

The rash appears in paroxysms: after lasting 1.5 - 2 months, it disappears without treatment (secondary latent syphilis), then appears again.

The first rash is characterized by abundance and brightness of color (secondary fresh syphilis), subsequent repeated rashes are paler in color, less abundant, but larger in size and prone to merging (secondary recurrent syphilis).

The frequency of relapses and the duration of latent periods of secondary syphilis vary and depend on the body’s immunological reactions in response to the proliferation of pale spirochetes.

Syphilides of the secondary period disappear without scars and have a variety of forms - roseola, papules, pustules.

A papular rash is a rounded nodular formation protruding above the surface of the skin, bright pink in color with a bluish tint.

Papules are located on the body and do not cause any subjective sensations. However, when pressing on them with a button probe, acute pain appears.

With syphilis, a rash of papules with greasy scales along the edge of the forehead forms the so-called “crown of Venus.”

Syphilitic papules can grow, merge with each other and form plaques, becoming wet.

Weeping erosive papules are especially contagious, and syphilis at this stage can easily be transmitted not only through sexual contact, but also through handshakes, kisses, and the use of common household items.

Pustular (pustular) rashes with syphilis are similar to acne or chicken rash, covered with crust or scales. Usually occur in patients with reduced immunity.

The malignant course of syphilis can develop in weakened patients, as well as in drug addicts, alcoholics, and HIV-infected people. Malignant syphilis is characterized by ulceration of papulopustular syphilides, continuous relapses, impaired general condition, fever, intoxication, and weight loss.

During the period of secondary syphilis, disturbances in skin pigmentation (leukoderma) and hair loss (alopecia) occur. Syphilitic leukoderma manifests itself in the loss of pigmentation of various areas of the skin on the neck, chest, abdomen, back, lower back, and armpits.

On the neck, more often in women, a “Venus necklace” may appear, consisting of small (3-10 mm) discolored spots surrounded by darker areas of skin. It can exist without change for a long time (several months or even years), despite antisyphilitic treatment.

The development of leukoderma is associated with syphilitic damage to the nervous system; upon examination, pathological changes in the cerebrospinal fluid are observed.

Hair loss is not accompanied by itching or flaking; its nature is:

• diffuse - hair loss is typical of normal baldness, occurring on the scalp, in the temporal and parietal region;
• small focal - a clear symptom of syphilis, hair loss or thinning in small patches located randomly on the head, eyelashes, eyebrows, mustache and beard;
• mixed - both diffuse and small-focal are found.

• With timely treatment of syphilis, the hairline is completely restored.

Source: https://www.KrasotaiMedicina.ru/diseases/zabolevanija_venereology/syphilis

Secondary syphilis: signs, symptoms, photos, treatment

Secondary syphilis is a period that fully corresponds to the generalization of the infectious process. Treponema pallidum, which is localized in the lymph nodes, gradually enters the bloodstream and spreads through the bloodstream to other vital organs, as well as to new areas of the skin.

The secondary period of syphilis is characterized by the appearance of the following symptoms: slight fever, moderate pain in muscle structures and joints (with a tendency to intensify at night), weakness.

Specific lesions characteristic of the pathology appear in all areas of the human skin, most of the mucous membranes, as well as certain internal organs.

Online consultation on the disease “Secondary syphilis”.

Ask a question to the experts for free: Venereologist.

Periods

Secondary syphilis has 3 periods of development - fresh, latent (also called latent) and recurrent. Fresh secondary syphilis begins to progress immediately after the primary. It is characterized by an intensification of the rash and the preservation of remnants of chancre.

If the required and adequate treatment is not carried out, its symptoms may persist for 2–4 months. After this period, the disease develops into a latent form. All symptoms of the pathology disappear.

But if a serological blood test is carried out at this time, its results will be sharply positive.

Further, after 1–3 months, secondary recurrent syphilis begins to progress. The first signs appear on the skin - a rash appears, but less abundant than during the fresh period. Alopecia (hair loss) may also occur.

A characteristic feature of this stage is syphilitic leukoderma. Non-pigmented spots appear on the neck, the number of which increases over time. But there are no other signs that could start to bother a person.

If the pathology is not treated again, then the latent period begins again. The number of relapses, as a rule, reaches four.

In case of further development of the secondary period of syphilis, a polymorphic protruding rash begins to appear on the skin, represented by pustular, papular and roseolous elements.

Symptoms

The main signs of the general type of secondary syphilis (features of pathological elements):

• dense structure;
• no subjective sensations are noted;
• dark red tint of pathological elements;
• unexpressed peeling;
• clear contours;
• elements may spontaneously disappear.

General signs:

• benign course;
• high infectiousness of secondary syphilides;
• the serological reaction for secondary syphilis is sharply positive;
• If secondary syphilis is treated in a timely manner, pathological syphilides quickly disappear.

Symptoms of secondary syphilis

Rash with secondary syphilis can be of the following types:

• roseola syphilide. Symptoms of secondary syphilis at this stage appear most often in humans. The appearance of such pathological elements indicates that treponema pallidum has begun to spread throughout the body. Spots of a pale pink hue that do not have sharp outlines form on the skin. The shape of the elements is most often round or oval. The maximum size is up to 1.5 cm. The spots do not rise above the surface of the epidermis, and also do not tend to merge. Localized mainly on the neck and lateral surfaces of the body;
• papular syphilide. This stage is characterized by the formation of elastic, round nodules, also called papules. At first, the elements are smooth and have a natural shine. But after a couple of days, the surface of the formations begins to peel off slightly. Papules do not have a specific localization, so they form on any part of the skin;
• palmoplantar syphilide. One of the most common types of papular syphilide. Thickened nodules that resemble calluses form on the surface of the soles or palms. They tend to grow. As the formation increases, it may crack, which leads to the appearance of a specific border around the circumference. The similarity of such pathological formations with calluses becomes the reason that a person does not consult a doctor in a timely manner;
• syphilitic leucoderma. Such a manifestation is extremely rare at this time, but still occurs. Pathological elements form on the neck, which is why this symptom is called the “necklace of Venus”. Against the background of brownish darkening of the skin, oval light lesions form.

Treatment

Therapy for secondary syphilis is aimed at eliminating the underlying disease, as well as elements of the rash. Therefore, it should only be comprehensive. The most effective treatment method is the administration of water-soluble penicillins. This allows doctors to maintain the optimal concentration of antibiotic in the bloodstream.

Specific therapy is carried out within 24 days from the moment the pathology is detected. The drug is injected into the body every three hours. Therefore, it is advisable to hospitalize the patient in a hospital, where doctors can monitor his condition. If the patient is allergic to penicillin, then they resort to the use of alternative drugs.

It is also worth noting that during the treatment of secondary syphilis, it is also important to treat the diseases that developed against its background. It is important to increase the reactivity of the immune system, so immunostimulating drugs are prescribed for this purpose. Doctors also adjust the patients’ diet – it should include the required amount of vitamins, minerals and nutrients.

Prevention

Prevention of syphilis includes several main areas:

• drug preventive treatment;
• prevention during sex;
• urgent prevention of syphilis. There is a certain preventive complex, which is more often carried out in dispensaries. It includes: immediate urination, washing the genitals with water and laundry soap, followed by wiping them with disinfectant solutions. Next, a solution of chlorhexidine or protargol is injected into the urethra;
• protection against household transmission of syphilis. Each person must use individual utensils and personal hygiene products. When visiting a bathhouse or sauna, use only your personal belongings;
• for preventive purposes, it is necessary to regularly donate blood for serological testing (for syphilis, the reaction is sharply positive - from one to four pluses), and also to visit a doctor for examination (it is recommended to undergo a full examination every six months).

Is everything in the article correct from a medical point of view?

Answer only if you have documented medical knowledge Liver failure (matching symptoms: 6 out of 7)

A disease characterized by a violation of the integrity of liver tissue due to acute or chronic damage is called liver failure. This disease is considered complex, due to the fact that after liver damage, metabolic processes are disrupted. If appropriate measures are not taken to cure the disease, then under certain conditions liver failure can develop quickly and rapidly and lead to death.

... Premenstrual syndrome (overlapping symptoms: 6 out of 7)

Premenstrual syndrome is a complex of painful sensations that occur ten days before the onset of menstruation. The signs and symptoms of this disorder and their combination are individual in nature.

Some female representatives may experience symptoms such as headaches, sudden changes in mood, depression or tearfulness, while others may experience pain in the mammary glands, vomiting or constant pain in the lower abdomen.

... Vitamin deficiency (matching symptoms: 4 out of 7)

Vitamin deficiency is a painful human condition that occurs as a result of an acute lack of vitamins in the human body. There are spring and winter vitamin deficiency. There are no restrictions regarding gender and age group in this case.

... Adenovirus infection (matching symptoms: 4 out of 7)

Adenoviral infection is an infectious disease belonging to the ARVI group. Affects the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, eyes and digestive tract. Almost a quarter of people who are diagnosed with ARVI have an illness caused by adenoviruses. Adenoviral infection can affect both individual individuals and be of an epidemiological nature.

... Arthritis (overlapping symptoms: 4 out of 7)

Inflammatory ailments that are accompanied by constant pain in the joints are called arthritis. Essentially, arthritis is a disease that causes joint cartilage to thin and ligaments and joint capsules to change. If the disease is not treated, the process worsens, leading to joint deformation.

…

Source: https://SimptoMer.ru/bolezni/infektsii-parazity/1243-vtorichnyy-sifilis-simptomy