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A 33-year-old member asked:

How does syphilis spread?

2 doctor answers6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Jeff Livingston
Obstetrics and Gynecology 24 years experience
Skin to skin contact: Syphilis is spread via skin to skin contact with an infected painless sore called a chancre. If the infected sore come into contact with another person during any type of sexual activity then the other person is at risk and should be tested.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Francisco R. Rodriguez
Urology 11 years experience
Syphilis: By any type of sex.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

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A 40-year-old member asked:

Is syphilis spread in the air?

2 doctor answers6 doctors weighed in
Dr. James Ferguson
Pediatrics 48 years experience
No: Syphillis is not spread in the air like a flu or cold. Transmission requires direct contact with the germ.This can be as it passes mom to baby in her blood, thru a tainted blood transfusion(they test it to avoid that) &direct contact with sores during sex or other contact.
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Related questions

A 33-year-old male asked:
Hi. I just found out this week I have syphilis second stage. Regarding symptoms I had rash on palms. My question is could I spread this infection to my family members and friends kids by holding there hand with my palms while rash was there. Thx?
Dr. James Ferguson
Pediatrics 48 years experience
This is a sexually transmitted disease through sexual fluids. It is not passed by simple contact as these germs are not exuding from your rash.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A male asked:
Can syphilis spread without a chancre present after oral sex with a male? Would it present as an upper respiratory infection 3 mos later?
Dr. Martin Raff
Infectious Disease 58 years experience
Syphilis: Yes it can occur without a visible chancre. Upper respiratory infection 3 mos later would be very rare, but syphilis is known as the great masquerader... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 21-year-old member asked:
Can syphilis be cured?
Dr. James Ferguson
Pediatrics 48 years experience
Germ can be killed: The germs of syphillis can be cured with antibiotics. If that germ has injured or destroyed some tissues in your body those tissues may or may not be ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
View all answers
A 31-year-old male asked:
What is black syphilis?
Dr. Joel Gallant
Infectious Disease 38 years experience
A myth: There's no such thing as "black syphilis." it's an old myth, perhaps told to soldiers to keep them from having sex with locals.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Ed Friedlander
Pathology 46 years experience
Dr. Gallant is correct. This was one more cruel bit of racism from a bygone era.
Dec 7, 2013
Dr. Hunter Handsfield
Infectious Disease 55 years experience
In over 4 decades as an STD specialist, I have never once heard the term "black syphilis" or seen it written anywhere. As Dr. F suggests, I imagine it might have been used as racist terminology. But there is no such thing.
Jan 30, 2018
A 37-year-old member asked:
How is syphilis treated?
Dr. Joel Gallant
Infectious Disease 38 years experience
Pencillin: Preferably with high-dose penicillin, either given by injection or infusion, depending on the stage.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Last updated Oct 24, 2021

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