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How Is Syphilis Diagnosed And Treated? Singapore Doctors Explain

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Portrait of Dr Wei Sheng Tan
Dr Wei Sheng Tan

February 14th, 2019· 5 min read

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Sexually transmitted diseases can come in different forms, with an assortment of symptoms and, not to mention, a great deal of anxiety.

Different diseases display different symptoms, ranging in severity and extensiveness. Several Human readers asked questions about syphilis, including how to know if the diagnosis is conclusive and what kinds of treatments can be found in Singapore.

Here's a compilation of some answers from Singapore doctors with experience in treating this condition.

What is syphilis and how is it transmitted?

syphilis on a lip illustration

One of the most commonly contracted forms of sexually transmitted diseases, syphilis is generally spread through sexual intercourse including vaginal, anal and oral sex.

illustration of a syphilis chancre on genitals

They cause sores called chancres on the genitals. These sores are usually painless, but they can be spread through infection.

Routine health checkups can identify syphilis

a finger prick blood test

According to dermatologist Dr Tan Wei Sheng, syphilis is commonly detected during routine health checkups or some pre-employment tests.

Results are based on a combination of at least two positive blood tests, in order to make sure that the conclusion is precise.

Latent syphilis may present no symptoms

Initially, if someone is diagnosed with latent syphilis, symptoms may not be experienced. This means that if the person does not go for a checkup and receive a diagnosis, the disease may not be detected by him or her for long periods of time.

Either way, the diagnosis process is similar to normal syphilis.

Early stages of syphilis have more visible symptoms

syphilis on a person

Secondary stage syphilis sores (lesions) on the palms of the hand. These are referred to as "palmar lesions".

Since earlier stages of syphilis are more infectious and aggressive, patients may experience the formation of painless ulcers around their genital area, followed by a general body rash affecting the palms and soles of the feet.

In this case, swabs can be taken to help confirm the diagnosis. Confirmation is reached through two different types of blood tests.

Some patients may test positive for syphilis for their entire lives

In some instances, syphilis tests carried out on patients can remain positive across the rest of their lives even after treatment.

This can, of course, make interpretation of the tests difficult. So doctors will need a detailed history in order to establish whether the infection is new or whether it is one that has been treated.

Specific penicillin is used to treat syphilis

box of penicillin

An effective and relatively common treatment used in Singapore is made up of a special penicillin injection which can be found at the DSC, dermatology clinics, or sexual health centres in Singapore.

Early stages only require a single jab, whereas late stages may require three jabs (once every week).

Some tests may detect other chronic diseases instead

If patients opt for RPR (Rapid Plasma Reagin), a type of rapid diagnostic test, positive results may indicate other conditions besides syphilis. These include chronic liver disease, pregnancy, lupus, or other infections.

However, RPR and TPPA tests used together have better accuracy

a syphilis test kit

With both the RPR and TPPA (Treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay) tests, if both tests produce positive results, it is most likely that the patient has syphilis.

Conclusion

a couple consulting a doctor

Being diagnosed with syphilis can be devastating. But knowledge is power; do your research on treatments available in Singapore that can manage symptoms and lead you to better management of the disease. And do inform your sexual partner if you suspect that you have any sexually transmitted disease, so he or she can get tested too.

Make sure you seek treatment quickly once syphilis is suspected.

Article medically reviewed by Dr Tan Wei Sheng and Dr Colin Theng.

Would you like to ask any related health questions?

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I hope that you've found this guide useful, and perhaps gained more insight into the application process. Most of the admissions-related information (admin and logistics wise) can be found on the official NUS Faculty of Dentistry website.

To help yourself out, you should take note of what people look for when they look for a dentist.

This article was written by Dr Wei Sheng Tan and published on Wednesday, 25 January 2017. Human medically reviewed the article on Wednesday, 25 January 2017. The last update was made on Friday, 18 September 2020.

Disclaimer: Opinions belong to the author and not to the platform.

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