What types can congenital syphilis be classified into? What are the symptoms of congenital syphilis

What are the types of congenital syphilis and what can be divided into? Let's take a look.

What are the types of congenital syphilis?

1. Early congenital syphilis

Within 2 years of postpartum onset. Systemic symptoms: Loose and pale skin, wrinkles like those of an elderly person, slow weight gain, weak and hoarse crying, often accompanied by low fever, anemia, liver and spleen enlargement, lymph node enlargement, hair loss, etc. Skin and mucous membrane damage is the most common, with forms such as maculopapules, papules, blisters or bullae, pustules, etc., similar to acquired syphilis secondary rash. However, linear dry cracks can occur in the corners of the mouth, nostrils, and perianal area around the palms, soles, and holes. After healing, characteristic radiating scars can cause erosion of the external genitalia and anus, similar to flat genital warts. Syphilic rhinitis is the most common early symptom, with runny nose and nasal congestion leading to difficulty in breastfeeding. Laryngitis causes hoarseness in the voice. Osteochondritis, periostitis, paronychia, and thyroiditis can also occur. When a newborn develops syphilis (prickly heat under the skin), it can lead to a birth canal infection caused by syphilis.

2. Late congenital syphilis

Postpartum onset at the age of 2 years or above. The nature of its damage is similar to the third stage damage caused by acquired syphilis, manifested as damage to the skin, mucosa, bones, and internal organs. Eye lesions are the most common, accounting for about 80%, followed by interstitial keratitis and choroiditis. Other diseases such as neuropathic deafness, hepatosplenomegaly, joint effusion, tibial periostitis, dactylitis, nasal mucosa, and upper palate gumma. Another type of damage is the traces left by early lesions, which are no longer active but have characteristics. The saddle nose, radiating scars around the mouth, forehead protrusion, thickening of the sternoclavicular joint bone, thickening of the tibia periosteum resembling a saber, and permanent tooth lesions include Hutchinson's teeth (central semi lunar incision on the free edge of the front teeth, barrel shaped edge of the front teeth, widened anterior and posterior tracks) and mulberry shaped molars (four protrusions on the occlusal surface of the first mandibular molar, clustered in the center, resembling a mulberry

3. Pregnant syphilis

The syphilis that occurs during pregnancy is called gestational syphilis, which is not only caused by the patient's pregnancy but also the cause of infection during pregnancy.

Active or latent syphilis discovered during pregnancy. The impact of pregnancy on syphilis: syphilis has mild damage, while late syphilis and recurrence are less likely. It may be affected by estrogen. The impact of syphilis on pregnancy: miscarriage (after 4 months), premature birth, stillbirth, and congenital syphilis have only a 1/6 chance of delivery. However, untreated pregnant women with syphilis tend to gradually normalize their babies after multiple pregnancies. This is just a general trend and cannot relax the treatment for pregnant women with syphilis.