[Question #10247] Syphilis Query Continued
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24 months ago
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Hi there. I am returning to the forum after a really positive previous exchange with Dr Handsfield. I wanted to return as I missed some information from my last exchange which I have been wondering could alter his or another professionals opinion of my situation and it was to flag the medication I had taken for the treatment of my Strep A. I was prescribed Phenoxymethylpenicillin for 10 days.
I will make the timeliness clear below, if you could please let me know if this alters your opinion of my particular case:
25th Feb 2023 unprotected incident. 27th Feb started 1 week course Doxycycline. 1st May sent off blood samples for testing. 8th May received negative test results for HIV Syphilis C&G. 9th May started with sore throat and diagnosed after throat culture strep A 4th June and started course of Phenoxymethylpenicillin for 10 days. Day 6 of the course burning and tingling/ burning in neck, groin and collarbone began - could this be due to a reaction with the antibiotics and potential Syphilis? My test results were of course negative before this point but I wanted to double check if what I've experienced since could be mild symptoms that have been reduced by the medication taken for my Strep A. It occurred to me that I didn't mention this previously so apologies, I hope this makes sense and thanks in advance.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
24 months ago
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Welcome back to the Forum. Thanks for the additional information. As you know, Dr. Handsfield and I share responsibilities for the Forum and on this occasion your follow-up question happened to be assigned to me. In preparing to answer your questions, I reviewed your earlier interaction with Dr. Handsfield and agree with all that he said. The additional information you have provided provides additional information that you do not have syphilis. The bacteria that causes syphilis, Treponema pallidum, is exquisitely sensitive to many antibiotics and both the doxycycline and the penicillin you took would have reliably prevented syphilis is you had been exposed and were developing an infection. Thus your additional information provides further assurance that you did not acquire syphilis from the encounter you described. There is absolutely no need for further testing or any concern.
I hope this additional information is helpful. Please don't worry. EWH
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24 months ago
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Hi Dr Hook, one knowledgeable doctor is great, two even better! Thank you for your reply.
I hope you don't mind seen as I have follow up questions just to generally educate myself on this topic and not to rely on the scary world of Google in the future.
I have read some confusing things about transmission of Syphilis and living around loved one and little ones could you confirm if any of the below routes are true for transmission or not? (I don't intend on being in this situation ever again but it's good to know)
- sharing drinks
-sharing food
- skin contact with no rashes or sores present
- saliva in general
- a kiss on the lips with no sore present?
Dr Handsfield mentioned that the symptoms I have currently aren't typical of any of the STIs I have tested negative for - I wanted to just check on one thing. I am due to go for a scan on the lymph in my groin - it's not obviously swollen but the burning sensation is there and I have had this sensation in my forearm, hand and neck. Would Lymph swelling from Syphilis be obvious to the eye?
Do you know if Syphilis is a common infection in the UK amongst hetrosexuals?
I intend on drawing a line under this and moving on so as much info for this closure would be hugely appreciated! Thanks in advance.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
24 months ago
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You are correct that there is much confusion regarding syphilis, particularly on the internet where so very much is either out of date, taken out of context, or just plain wrong. Syphilis is transmitted only through DIRECT contact with an infectious lesion. It, like other STIs is not transmitted through sharing food or drinks, in saliva, through kissing unless a sore is present, or through or skin to skin contact in the absence of sores or lesions.
You are correct that at the present time well over half of all syphilis in the UK is occurring among men with other men as sex partners. It is relatively rare among heterosexual men and women.
Syphilis can cause swelling of the lymph nodes but so can a long long list of other processes. Lymph node swelling is typically detected when the swelling is felt by a helath care provider in the course of an examination.
I hope this information is helpful. EWH
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24 months ago
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Thank you Dr Hook. Super helpful indeed.
I wanted to end the thread just to summarise on the information both you and Dr Hunter have shared with me if possible so it's clear.
1. You both believe that my negative results 9 weeks after the incident are 100% conclusive for all 4 STIs screened for.
2. Taking the Doxycycline 72 hours after for the week would of 100% cured any infections before they could possibly start for C and Syphilis.
3. My current symptoms a cold, lymph burning sensation in the left side of my body is non related as tests results overrule symptoms?
4. A last question from me, by now at 5 months past the incident would I of expected to see more obvious signs of Syphilis or my new partner?
I also read another active feed of a lady in a conversation with Dr Handsfield about HIV and I wondered if you typically pass on messages? I'd love to help someone if possible. In the feed I think named "HIV" the lady mentions a burning mouth sensation and pain in the left side of her mouth and a receding gum feeling. I have had the same and saw my dentist who asked if I had been grinding my teeth with the health anxiety stress. This causes burning mouth syndrome and can also cause inflamed gums and a sore throat. If she has been grinding like myself she could be suffering the same? If I can relieve one less worry for someone in a similar situation then its been a good day!
Thanks again both Dr Hook and Dr Handsfield I am looking forward to your final reply and I have been appreciative of the straight facts and guidance.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
24 months ago
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I'll go straight to your follow-up questions. You summaries numbered 1=3 are absolutely on target and correct. The answer to number 4 is more complicated. The lesions of syphilis are painless and occasionally go unnoticed although this is rare among men. I really believe however that there is just no realistic reason to have any concern about syphilis and urge you to put any lingering concerns aside.
I'm afraid due to confidentiality issues we cannot pass on messages between clients. I'm sure you understand.
As you know, this final response will complete this thread which will be closed shortly without further responses. Take care. Please don't worry EWH
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24 months ago
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Before this closes. A huge thank you from me again. Totally understand confidentiality. Hope she reads this feed (fingers crossed)