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Before knowing the symptoms of syphilis, one should have a basic idea of what this disease is? It is basically a sexually transmitted disease which is caused by bacteria named spirochaete bacterium known as Treponema pallidum and can affect people of both sexes. It has gained a reputation or more appropriately it is notorious of being “the great imitator” because most of the syphilis symptoms resemble the symptoms of other diseases. This is the reason why diagnosing this disease is so difficult. It is also contagious and can pass through intimate sexual contact. Women who are expecting may pass on the infection to the yet-to-be-born child.

The syphilis may pass through 3 distinct stages. There are possibilities that not all 3 of these stages may be observed, one after the other. The phases are listed below and along with them; the syphilis symptoms are listed too:

1)Primary stage- It usually starts with a sore at the site of the infection. This sore is popularly called shanker. It is in the form of a lesion which may appear on the male or the female genitals although all parts of the body are equally at risk. Any person who touches the infection lesion may end up with an infection. It can develop after a month after the first appearance and heals after 1 week. Though the sores may vanish, the disease does not.

2)Secondary stage- The secondary phase develops after a month after the first appearance of chancre. The phase has numerous symptoms, which is the reason why syphilis has the, unflattering name of “the great pretender”. Due to this reason, this phase may go without treatment. These are the most frequently reported symptoms of the phase:

Joint fever

Muscle aches

Fever

Flu-like symptoms

Headache

Whole body rash

Patchy hair loss

Decreased appetite

Swollen lymph nodes

3)Latent phase- This phase is characterized by relapse of the secondary phase of the syphilis. After two years of the latent phase one may not have symptoms and may be completely cured. However one can still transmit infection through blood transfusion. One third people will progress from latent syphilis to tertiary one. During this phase, parts of the body such as brain, skin, bones and the heart are at risk.

4)Tertiary Syphilis- The syphilis symptoms of this stage depends on which part of the body the infection spreads to. For instance, it may spread to nerves, eyes, brain, bones, blood vessels or skin. It can cause the following symptoms:

Dementia

Stroke

numbness

loss of coordination

blindness

paralysis

deafness

skin rashes

heart diseases

As soon as the symptoms of syphilis are observed, one is required to visit their physician. He/she will check for signs of the disease such as skin rashes or chancre. A blood sample will be taken and that is analyzed. The treatment and the prescription depends on the stage of the disease.

Visit here for more information on: Herpes Simplex 1.

This article will give you a comprehensive idea about the three stages of herpes simplex, also known as oral herpes. Herpes simplex 1 is caused by the virus HSV 1. People often confuse oral herpes with genital herpes. The symptoms are almost similar in both the cases; the only difference is that in oral herpes the sores and blisters can be found in and around the mouth, whereas in genital herpes they are found in the genitals.This infection basically causes sores and blisters to occur on the face, and has no permanent cure. But treatment options are available to make the infection less painful. After a person is infected with oral herpes there are three stages, by which it advances. It is very important to know the important of this infection, as it is highly contagious. Over the last few years, millions of people have been diagnosed with herpes simplex 1, and many children get this virus as well, as it can be easily transmitted.

Before we understand the stages of herpes, let us take a look at some of the symptoms of this disease.

1. Blisters and cold sores in and around the mouth.

2. Fever

3. Fatigue

4. Blisters that break out and ooze

5. Itching

The three stages are –

The primary or initial stage –

This is where the blisters or sores are first detected. Some of these small sores may appear individually or as a cluster. They are full of fluid and can be seen around the mouth. Usually the first attack is severe and can be very painful. Sometimes, within a few days the small blister or group of blisters may become bigger and open up, after which it automatically heals. It is at this stage that an itching and tingling sensation is felt on the sores.

The latency stage –

In the next stage, the virus will progress to a mass of nerve tissue in the spine. Here the virus lies inactive, until triggered to break out.

The recurrence stage –

It is important to know that the virus is most contagious when there is a break out. The blisters on the face usually break open, releasing the fluid inside of them. This fluid is filled with the virus, which can spread easily. It is also important to know that genital herpes can be transmitted via oral herpes, and vice-versa. Hence, it is even more important to be on the safe side. But, even when the virus is inactive it can be transferred from one individual to another. Recurrence occurs when there are certain changes, such as severe heat, illness and stress – either emotional or physical. At this stage the inactive virus becomes active again, and brings out more sores and blisters.

Many people who have this virus, go through life without experiencing any of these symptoms. But, they can still spread the virus to people. Some of the methods to prevent oral herpes are –

1. It is important to always wash the hands thoroughly before and after touching the sores.

2. As oral herpes is transmitted through saliva, it is essential to avoid using the same cups, spoons and make up, as this may lead to an infection.

3. Wearing sunscreen on your face, and especially the lips is also very important to stop a break-out from recurring.

4. Using protection during intercourse is a must.

5. And finally, avoiding contact with others as far as possible, especially when the individual has an outbreak is one of the best ways to prevent oral herpes.

Visit here for more information on: Herpes Simplex 2.

Herpes Simplex virus is classified into the HSV 1 type and HSV 2 type. The HSV type 2 virus is one of the most common STD conditions in the world, who may end up infecting others. There are almost 50 million Americans who are infected with genital herpes. While herpes simplex type 1 is called oral herpes, it causes blisters to erupt near the mouth. It is important to know that both these viruses can cause genital herpes, as oral herpes can be passed on to the genitals, and the other way around as well. But usually genital herpes is transmitted through sexual intercourse or skin-to-skin contact. Genital herpes affects the genitals of the individual and waist below in general. While the disease cannot be cured completely, it can be treated. With proper medication and adequate care, the frequency of the outbreaks and the pain can be reduced.

One of the interesting facts of herpes simplex 2 is that this disease is contagious even if there are no symptoms present in the individual. A person can go through out his/her life without experiencing any of the usual symptoms of the disease, but still actively carry the virus. It should also be noted that the virus can be spread from one place to another in the body. For example if you touch an infected sore and touch another part of your body, there are chances you are spreading the infection. This is why it is important to avoid contact with other people when you have herpes, as well as wash your hands thoroughly when you touch a sore. But, this does not mean that an individual with herpes cannot have sex, they can as long as they limit their sexual partners and always use protection. You need to fix an appointment with the doctor to know more details about having sexual intercourse, if you are infected.

A newborn baby can also be infected with the virus if the mother has the infection during the time of birth. If it is found that the mother does carry the virus, a cesarean section is usually performed in order to minimize the risk of infection from the mother to the baby. It is important to take the advice of a doctor, if you are planning to get pregnant or are already pregnant in this condition.

Some of the signs and symptoms of the virus include –

1. Sores and Blisters – These are the primary symptom of herpes. Several lesions occur in the genital areas, which can be very painful. While the virus is contagious even when no symptoms are present, it is most contagious when there are open sores.
2. Discharge – Fluid or discharge from these blisters is also a very common symptom. When there is severe discharge, contact with the individual should be avoided.
3. Painful Urination – Sometimes due to sores and ulcers, it becomes very difficult to urinate. Irritation, pain and a tingling sensation is also felt in herpes simplex 2.
4. Other symptoms include fever, fatigue, muscle ache, swollen lymph glands, etc.

Visit here for more information on: Herpes Simplex 1.