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  3. Syphilis

Condition: Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria. It infects the genital area, lips, mouth, or anus of both men and women. You usually get syphilis from sexual contact with someone who has it. It can also pass from mother to baby during pregnancy.

The early stage of syphilis usually causes a single, small, painless sore. Sometimes it causes swelling in nearby lymph nodes. If you do not treat it, syphilis usually causes a non-itchy skin rash, often on your hands and feet. Many people do not notice symptoms for years. Symptoms can go away and come back.

The sores caused by syphilis make it easier to get or give someone HIV during sex. If you are pregnant, syphilis can cause complications, or you could lose your baby. In rare cases, syphilis causes serious health problems and even death.

Syphilis is easy to cure with antibiotics if you catch it early. Correct usage of latex condoms greatly reduces, but does not completely eliminate, the risk of catching or spreading syphilis. If your or your partner is allergic to latex, you can use polyurethane condoms. The most reliable way to avoid infection is to not have anal, vaginal, or oral sex.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Courtesy of MedlinePlus from the National Library of Medicine.

Syndicated Content Details:
Source URL: https://medlineplus.gov/syphilis.html?utm_source=mplusconnect&utm_medium=service
Source Agency: National Library of Medicine

Contents

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Providers Diagnosing or Treating Syphilis

Note that every provider listed below may not perform or prescribe all treatments or procedures related to Syphilis. Review each provider for availability.

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Robert W. Bradsher Jr., M.D.

Robert W. Bradsher Jr., M.D. Infectious Disease Physician

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Ryan K. Dare, M.D.

Ryan K. Dare, M.D. Infectious Disease Physician

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Mitchell B. Jenkins, M.D.

Mitchell B. Jenkins, M.D. Infectious Disease Physician

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Hazel K. 'Kathy' Liverett, M.D.

Hazel K. "Kathy" Liverett, M.D. Infectious Disease Physician

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Michael Spence Lowry, M.D.

Michael Spence Lowry, M.D. Infectious Disease Physician

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Kristine L. Patterson, M.D.

Kristine L. Patterson, M.D. Infectious Disease Physician

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Juan Carlos Rico Crescencio, M.D.

Juan Carlos Rico Crescencio, M.D. Infectious Disease Physician

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Michael Saccente, M.D.

Michael Saccente, M.D. Infectious Disease Physician

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Keyur S. Vyas, M.D.

Keyur S. Vyas, M.D. Infectious Disease Physician

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Make an Appointment

Request an appointment by contacting a clinic directly or by calling the UAMS Health appointment line at (501) 686-8000.

UAMS Health LogoUAMS HealthUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Mailing Address: 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 686-7000
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