What is syphilis? The symptoms, effects, and treatment as cases rise by 8%

There has been an increase in syphilis cases in the UK

(Picture: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

The number of syphilis cases has risen in the UK, according to data on sexually transmitted infections (STIs), published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on Tuesday (October 4).

The data show that cases of syphilis increased by 8.4 per cent, jumping to 7,506 diagnoses of infectious syphilis, from 6,923 the year before.

The UKHSA said the increase was “particularly driven” by asymptomatic diagnoses, but noted there had also been “a notable increase in diagnoses of neurosyphilis” - a life-threatening infection of the nervous system.

But what is syphilis and what should people be aware of?

What is syphilis?

Syphilis is an STI that can cause serious problems if left untreated.

How is syphilis transmitted?

Syphilis is usually contracted by having unprotected sex with someone who is infected.

However, it can also be passed on to a baby during pregnancy or by sharing needles with an infected person.

In rare cases, it can be transmitted via a blood or organ transplant, although all blood and organ donations in the UK are checked for syphilis.

Syphilis can be prevented by using a condom during vaginal, anal, and oral sex.

What are the symptoms of syphilis?

Symptoms of syphilis are often mild and appear around three weeks after infection. They can include the following:

• Small sores (ulcers) on your genitals or around your anus
• Sores in your mouth, on your lips, hands or bottom
• White or grey warty growths on your genitals or around your anus
• A rash on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet
• White patches in your mouth
• Flu-like symptoms
• Swollen glands
• Patchy hair loss

New data on STIs in England reveals leap in syphilis cases (Niall Carson/PA)

How is syphilis treated?

Syphilis is treated with antibiotics, but the length of time someone will need treatment will depend on the stage of syphilis.

People who undergo treatment for syphilis have to go back to their GP or sexual-health clinic six and 12 weeks after the beginning of their treatment, to be retested.

What are the complications of syphilis?

If left untreated for years, syphilis can cause serious problems such as the following:

• Heart problems like angina, aortic aneurysm, and heart failure
• Brain problems like fits (seizures), memory problems, personality changes, and dementia
• Nerve problems like shooting pains, pins and needles, joint pain, and gradual damage to the joints
• Problems with the skin, bones, testicles, liver, and any other organ