[Question #8916] Syphilis Question

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38 months ago
Hello Doctors,
5 (five) weeks ago I had a massage by a male masseuse.  Regrettably it escalated into some semi-deep kissing.  I also briefly licked his testicles.  No oral or anal sex.  I know from past postings that these activities are considered very low risk for STIs.  2 days ago I noticed some white patches/spots inside my left cheek.  Also a few spots on the right.  The whiteness pretty much disappeared by the next day, but there remains a small, slightly sore red patch on the left side that looks like an abrasion.  Very smooth and soft.  I happened to have a dentist appointment yesterday and the hygienist examined it.  She described it as an irritation, possibly from food, mouthwash chemicals, dental topicals that were used on me a couple days before, etc.  Today, it looks a bit better but I am a little worried about syphilis (although the lesion evolution, timing and appearance seems much different that what is described on the internet).  I would be interested in your thoughts as to how worried I should be given the exposure and my description.  Thank you very much. 


    


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Edward W. Hook M.D.
38 months ago
Welcome to our Forum.  Thanks for your questions.  I’ll be glad to comment.  The encounter you describe was virtually no risk for all STIs.  Syphilis in particular is almost never transmitted by kissing.  Even more importantly the white patches and red spot you describe do not suggest syphilis.  Syphilis lesions, when they do occur in the mouth are typically on the tongue or lips and would not occur on both sides of your cheek in the manner you describe.  The sorts of whitish lesions you describe are common and inconsequential.  In your circumstance, I see no need for testing however, if you wish to test for reassurance, a negative test at this time would certainly rule out the possibility that the lesions were syphilis.

I hope these comments are helpful.  If any part of my response is unclear or there are further questions, please feel free to use your up to two follow ups for clarification.  EWH 
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38 months ago
Dr. Hook, thank you so much for your reassuring commentary.  I assume I do not have to be concerned with kissing significant others going forward, given the extremely low odds of me having a syphilitic lesion.  Have a great weekend.




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Edward W. Hook M.D.
38 months ago
Correct.  I would not hesitate to kiss others going forward. EWH ---