Symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases: What symptoms indicate infection with third stage syphilis

The symptoms of the first stage of syphilis are relatively mild and easily confused with other diseases, but the third stage of syphilis does not have this problem. The symptoms of the third stage of syphilis have significant characteristics, and as long as you remember this, you can know whether you have contracted the third stage of syphilis. The following are the three major symptoms of stage three syphilis.

1. Nodular syphilid

It often occurs within 3-4 years after infection, with damage to the extended side of the head, shoulders, back, and limbs. A group of infiltrating nodules with a diameter of approximately 0.3 to 1.0cm, which are copper red in color, smooth on the surface or with thin scales, hard in texture, and asymptomatic in the patient. The evolution of the nodules may have two outcomes: firstly, the nodules become flattened and absorbed, leaving small atrophic spots and long-term dark brown pigmentation. Another outcome is central necrosis, the formation of small abscesses, the formation of ulcers after rupture, and the formation of nodular ulcerative syphilis rash, leaving shallow scars after healing. There is pigmentation around the scar, and the atrophic area is smooth and thin, with new damage appearing at the edges. This is a characteristic of this condition. Old and new rashes occur one after another, and new ones can persist for several years.

2. Gumma

It is commonly seen in the third stage of syphilis, accounting for approximately 61% of the total. In order to harden under the skin. The initial hair was the size of a pea, while the size of a plum was the size of a broad bean, which was larger and harder, allowing for contact and movement, and the quantity was variable. The initial color is normal skin color, and as the nodules increase, the color gradually changes to light red, dark red, and even purple red. Nodules are prone to necrosis and can gradually soften, rupture, and discharge gum like secretions. They can form specific circular, elliptical, or horseshoe shaped ulcers with clear boundaries and neat edges like levees. There are brown or dark red infiltrates around them, and there is a hard sensation to touch. One end often heals, while the other end still spreads like a snake.

3. Syphilitic cardiovascular disease

After the invasion of Treponema pallidum into the human body, the late stage (third stage) involves cardiovascular diseases caused by the cardiovascular system, including syphilitic arteritis, syphilitic aortic valve closure without syphilitic aortic aneurysm, coronary artery stenosis, and myocardial gummy swelling.

Phase III syphilis can cause serious damage to the skin of the body, manifested as syphilis rash, which has obvious characteristics and is easy to recognize. Gum swelling is also very common in third stage syphilis, with over half of third stage syphilis patients experiencing this condition. If cardiovascular disease occurs simultaneously, the problem is severe, indicating that syphilis has invaded the cardiovascular system.