SYPHILIS
PROBLEM
You may have round or oval painless lesions, most commonly in the genital region, but they may occur anywhere on the body where transmission occurred.
A.You may experience a rash covering your body, including the palms of your hands and soles of your feet.
B.Flu-like symptoms include fever; headache; sore throat; swollen, tender lymph nodes; and decreased appetite.
CAUSE
Syphilis is contracted by genital or oral contact with someone who has the infection. The infection is spread when lesions are present.
PREVENTION
A.Use condoms.
B.Limit sexual partners.
C.Screen new sexual partners by asking about any known infections.
TREATMENT PLAN
Do not engage in sexual activity while lesions are present. Notify all partners of the need for treatment.
Syphilis is a reportable sexually transmitted infection (STI) to the local health department. It is important that all of your partners are contacted about the need to be treated too. If antibiotic treatment is not given, over time syphilis attacks the heart, brain, liver, skin, and bones.
Keep follow-up appointments to determine if treatment has been effective.
Diet: There is no special diet.
Medications: Penicillin is the drug of choice for treating syphilis. Other antibiotics can be used if you are allergic to penicillin. Within 24 hours of antibiotic treatment, you may experience a fever or headache. Aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), or ibuprofen may be taken if these symptoms occur.
You Have Been Prescribed: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Take: ___________________________________________________________
You need to finish all of your antibiotics.
You Need to Notify the Office If You Have the Following:
A.Any new symptoms.
B.Any reaction to your antibiotics.
C.Any other concerns about syphilis.
Phone: ____________________________
PATIENT TEACHING GUIDE