Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that is treatable with antibiotics. When the bacteria that causes syphilis gets into a person's body from sexual contact with an infected person, the first symptom it causes is an open sore. It is not very painful, and many people do not notice it. This is called the first stage of syphilis. The sore will go away on it's own, but without proper medical treatment, the infection will not leave the body, and will continue to cause damage.

Weeks later there will be a rash all over the body, even on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. This rash gets many people to see their healthcare provider, and seek treatment. This is called the second stage of syphilis. If this disease is not treated the rash will go away, but the infection stays in the body and causes even more damage. Many years later it will appear again in the third stage of syphilis. In this stage the tissues of brain, bone, and flesh are destroyed. This is rarely seen any more since antibiotics can easily treat the disease.

This disease can be passed from mother to child during pregnancy and birth. It can cause birth defects, or even death to the baby. If a pregnant woman gets pre-natal care, she will be tested for syphilis. If she has the disease, she can be treated, and that will treat the baby.

If you are concerned about syphilis, then a blood test can show if you are infected. Talk to your healthcare provider, the health department, or a family planning clinic for a test.

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