Syphilis

• The cause of Syphilis is mainly bacteria (Treponema pallidum) which spreads through sexual contact during vaginal, oral or anal sex.
• This bacteria usually enters the body through minor cuts or is present in the inner moist lining of the body parts.
• If the active sore is present on the lips, tongue or breasts can be easily spread through kissing or touching.
• Treponema continuously spreads to the body and can eventually damage the organs.
• Syphilis can’t be spread by Toilet seats, swimming pools, hot tubs, or eating utensils.

The symptoms of Syphilis are divided into 3 stages which may vary and can overlap. Three stages of Syphilis are

1. Primary Syphilis

The first symptom of primary syphilis is the presence of a small sore which is known as Chancre which is a painless sore.

• These sores are usually present on the genitals, anal and rectum region.
• It is usually found between 10-90 days.
• Primary syphilis sore heals without getting a scar within 6 weeks.
• Sometimes, the only symptom of primary syphilis is swollen lymph nodes.

2. Secondary Syphilis

The symptoms of secondary syphilis appear when there is the healing of the first chancre.

• These sores usually appear after 6 weeks and lasts for 1-3 month.
• Secondary syphilis sores are usually rosy “copper penny” rashes, usually seen on the palms of hands and feet.
• The sores are moist, wart-like lesions in the groin region, swollen lymph nodes and fever.
• Sometimes, secondary syphilis is mistaken for conditions such as Pityriasis rosea, Psoriasis and Lichen Planus.

3. Tertiary Syphilis

The tertiary stage of syphilis is when the infection is not treated properly and it starts affecting the organs such as Heart, Brain and nerves. It can be deadly as it can lead to a person becoming paralysed, blind or deaf.

• These sores usually appear after 6 weeks and lasts for 1-3 month.
• Secondary syphilis sores are usually rosy “copper penny” rashes, usually seen on the palms of hands and feet.
• The sores are moist, wart-like lesions in the groin region, swollen lymph nodes and fever.
• Sometimes, secondary syphilis is mistaken for conditions such as Pityriasis rosea, Psoriasis and Lichen Planus.

1. Latent Syphilis – The symptoms are not noticed but are present in the body, commonly known as the Hidden stage.
2. Congenital Syphilis – Pregnant women who have syphilis can easily pass the disease to the baby. This infection can spread to another organ which provides oxygen and various nutrients to the womb. So the infection is present during birth. This includes various symptoms
   • Fever
   • Rashes on the skin
   • Yellow discolouration of the skin
   • Rhinitis
   • Changes in the bone
   • Swollen liver and Spleen
   • Hutchinson teeth (peg-shaped)
   • Grey patches around the vagina or anal region
3. Neuro Syphilis – Infection of Syphilis spreads to the brain and Spinal cord. This can lead to Headache, Dementia and Numbness. It includes symptoms
   • Dementia
   • Hearing loss
   • Seizures
   • Weakness
   • Abnormal Gait

Blood Tests which are divided into two parts- Nontreponemal and treponemal tests

• Non-Treponemal test – It includes VDRL (Venereal disease research laboratory tests) and RPR (Rapid plasma reagin). False positives can also occur in viral infections. The confirmation of Non- treponemal is required with Treponemal tests such as with TPHA (Treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay).
• Direct Testing – It is carried out with a sample from the sore chancre- PCR Test (Polymerase chain reaction), DFA (Direct fluorescent antibody).

When the treatment is not provided, it leads to damage throughout the body. It can also give rise to HIV Infection and other problems during pregnancy.

1. Small Bumps or Tumors – In the late stage of syphilis, there is a gumma formation on the skin, liver or other organs. Sometimes, these gummas are treated with antibiotics.

2. Neurological Problem – Syphilis can cover the brain and Spinal cord including

• Headache
• Stroke
• Confusion
• Paralysis
• Problem in Bladder
• Meningitis (inflammation of the layer of tissues which are around the brain and spinal cord)

3. Eye Problems – When Syphilis travels to the eye region this is known as Ocular Syphilis. It includes

• Redness in the eye
• Vision changes
• Blindness

4. Ear Problems – When the infection of Syphilis travels to Ear it is known as Otosyphilis. It includes

• Hearing Loss
• Tinnitus
• Vertigo

5. Heart and Blood vessel problems – Syphilis may damage the valves of the heart thus there is bulging or swelling of the aorta.

6. HIV Infection – The sore of syphilis can easily spread through blood and ooze the blood easily.

• Syphilis is easy to cure and is treated in the early stages. The first line of treatment is Penicillin. Penicillin kills bacterial growth.
• Penicillin is only advised to pregnant women who have Syphilis, For the person who is allergic to penicillin the procedure is done which is known as Penicillin Desensitization.
• After getting vaccination there is an immune reaction which is known as the Jarisch Herxheimer reaction which is seen after hours and includes
  • Rashes
  • Chills
  • Headache
  • Muscle and Joint Pain

In Ayurveda, Syphilis is known as Firang Roga which is a sexually transmitted disease. Syphilis is a venereal disease which is caused by an agent named Treponema pallidum bacteria. Syphilis is more commonly found in countries that come to India and due to their contact, it gradually started spreading. It is also known as Visitor’s disease as the people are in contact with the people of a foreign country and have sex with Foreign country women. Tridoshas are vitiated in Syphilis but Kapha doshas are mainly dominant which leads to serious chronic stages and these dhatus get intoxicated and lead to various complications. Firanga is classified into 3 types

• Bahya Firanga – Bahya Firanga is easily curable, Boils appear like an explosion, pain is less and bursting is like a wound.
• Abhyantar Firanga – Abhyantar Firanga is difficult to cure, this disease resembles rheumatic disease which causes pain and swelling.
• Bahyabhyantar Firanga – Bahyabhyantar Firanga occurs externally and internally.

• Dosha – Pitta Pradhan
• Dushya – Rakta, Lasika
• Srotas – Shukra vaha Srotas
• Sroto Dushti – Sira Granthi
• Adhisthana – Gonads, all over the body

 1. Shodhana Chikitsa – Wound washing is necessary before shodhan Chikitsa and Lepa Chikitsa

• Raktamokshan
• Vran Shodhan- Triphala Kwath, Nimba Patra Swaras and Bhringraj Swaras.

2. Shaman Chikitsa – There are various medications which are useful in Syphilis.

1. Chopchini

Chopchini (Smilax china) is a miraculous plant with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that treat various venerable disorders and other skin issues. Chopchini acts as Rasayan which is a beneficial herb for Gonorrhoea and is helpful in 2 and 3rd stages of Syphilis, rejuvenates the cells of the body and maintains the proper molecular life of the cells. Chopchini is a natural blood purifier which removes toxins from the body.

2. Amalaki

Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) is a powerhouse of nutrients known as Indian Gooseberry. Amalaki is effective in balancing the tridoshas of the body, which is rich in antioxidants thus preventing ageing and rejuvenating the cellular structure for a long period of time. Emblica is a rich source of Vitamin C and it is helpful in enhancing the function of immune cells.

3. Neem

Neem (Azadirachta indica) is known as a blood purifier which has Anti-bacterial, Antihelminthic and immune-modulatory properties. The flowers of Neem are useful in treating various abdominal disorders and balancing Pitta and Kapha doshas. Neem is also helpful in fighting against various sexually transmitted diseases and balances the Aggravated Vata doshas in the body. This herb boosts the immune system and cures Tumors, blood and various skin disorders.

4. Guggul

Guggul (Commiphora mukul) It is a small tree which controls the Vata doshas and enhances the digestion and circulatory mechanism. It is useful in removing the Ama doshas from the body and improves the metabolism of the body. Guggul has regulative properties which heals wounds quickly and supports the healthy weight and joints of the body. Guggul has Lekhana property which scraps and clears the channels from the body.

5. Haritaki

Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) is a rejuvenator herb which improves digestion strength. This herb has marvellous properties such as Antipyretic, and anthelmintic in nature. Haritaki is an antioxidant and promotes proper bowel movement. Haritaki is helpful in balancing Vata and Pitta doshas, removes the obstruction in the channels and has Antibacterial properties.

6. Indian Echinacea

Indian Echinacea (Andrographis panniculata) is commonly known as Kalmegh, which is commonly known as a Blood purifier, thus boosting the immune system. Kalmegh has a healing property which reduces excessive inflammation. Kalmegh is rich in Silymarin which is helpful in destroying infection or bacteria present in STDs.

The good news is that Syphilis is preventable and reversible, but can only be possible by using holistic approach, the one advocated in Ayurveda that addresses the issues from the very root.

Since ancient times, Ayurveda has defined diseases with their symptoms, causes and healing methods with nature.

If you are having any of the above mentioned symptoms, don’t assume it is Syphilis yet without any proper diagnosis because there are other skin related diseases that comes with the same symptoms. Consult with a Doctor for accurate diagnosis to find out if Syphilis is what you are having or any other related disease.

As a holistic health clinic, we take accurate diagnosis very seriously in order to ascertain the root cause of a particular illness. You will be consulted with our doctor to know the type of test or scan to run base on your symptoms to detect exactly the root cause of your issue to ascertain if Syphilis is your issue or not to ensure appropriate treatment.

Accurate diagnosis is the key to the treatment of any disease.

We can really help you out of the issue!

Contact us for your accurate diagnosis or for any issues