Syphilis Treatment

How is Syphilis Diagnosed?

Syphilis can be diagnosed using blood tests, examination of fluid from a sore and, in some cases, testing of cerebrospinal fluid.

Blood tests detect antibodies produced by the immune system against the bacteria that causes syphilis and can help identify a current or past infection. If a person has an active sore, a sample of its fluid may be tested directly for the bacteria. If doctors suspect the nervous system is involved, they might take a sample of cerebrospinal fluid using a lumbar puncture for further testing.

If your test comes back positive, your recent sexual partners may also need to be tested or treated. Diagnosing and treating syphilis early can stop the infection from getting worse and lower the chance of complications.

How is Syphilis Treated Based on Stage?

Various stages of syphilis, along with their treatment options, are as follows:

Medications for Syphilis Treatment

Antibiotics are used to treat syphilis by eliminating the bacteria that cause the infection. Commonly used antibiotics to treat syphilis include:

• Benzathine Penicillin G: Benzathine penicillin G is the standard treatment for many cases of primary, secondary and latent syphilis. The number and timing of injections depend on the stage of infection.

• Aqueous Crystalline Penicillin G: Intravenous aqueous penicillin G is used for neurosyphilis and certain cases involving the eyes. Treatment is administered in a medical setting because adequate antibiotic levels need to reach the central nervous system.

• Procaine Penicillin G: Procaine penicillin G with oral probenecid may be considered as an alternative regimen for neurosyphilis when intravenous therapy is not feasible, under specialist supervision.

• Tetracycline: An alternative oral antibiotic option for non-pregnant patients with a severe penicillin allergy who cannot take preferred alternatives. Depending on the stage (e.g., late vs. early latent), treatment requires a 14- to 28-day course.

• Ceftriaxone: Ceftriaxone is sometimes used as an alternative treatment, especially if penicillin is not an option.

• Probenecid: It is an oral medicine sometimes given with procaine penicillin to treat neurosyphilis. It works by blocking the renal excretion of penicillin, which elevates and prolongs penicillin levels in the bloodstream and cerebrospinal fluid.

• Doxycycline: It can be used as an alternative for some non-pregnant patients. The type and length of treatment depend on the stage of syphilis and each person’s health. Always take it only as your healthcare provider prescribes.

Other Treatments for Syphilis

Additional care may be needed alongside antibiotic treatment for syphilis. Current or recent sexual partners may need testing and, in some cases, treatment to reduce the risk of passing the infection back and forth.

Doctors might also recommend co-infection screening. Because syphilis increases the risk of acquiring or transmitting other infections, screening for HIV and additional STIs is standard.

If you experience symptoms such as vision changes, hearing loss, weakness, or confusion, a comprehensive neurological or eye (ophthalmologic) evaluation is necessary to check for neurosyphilis or ocular syphilis, which require specialised intravenous therapy.

Ayurvedic and Alternative Treatments for Syphilis

Alternative remedies to manage syphilis treatment may include:

• Aloe Vera: Its soothing and hydrating properties may help calm irritated skin and support wound healing associated with skin symptoms.

• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): It is a herb that is known for helping reduce inflammation and supporting the immune system. People often use it as a supportive remedy in herbal medicine.

• Neem (Azadirachta indica): Neem is recognised for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory qualities. Traditionally, it is used to help relieve itching and skin irritation.

• Turmeric: Turmeric may help support the management of inflammation because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

• Guduchi: Guduchi is used to support the immune system, especially in cases like syphilis, and may help the body’s natural defences. However, there is little evidence that it can actually treat the syphilis infection.

• Other Ayurvedic Formulations: Other Ayurvedic preparations, including Swarna Bhasma, Mahamanjistadi Kwatha, Gandhak Rasayan, Triphala Churna, Kanchanar Guggul, and Praval Bhasma, are also used in some traditional practices.

Note: Ayurvedic treatments are never a substitute of medicated syphilis treatment. These can be used alongside the medicines recommended by the doctors only after consultation.

Home Care for Managing Syphilis

Here are some home care tips for managing syphilis:

• Keep the affected area clean and dry.

• Use mild soap and water for gentle cleaning.

• Avoid irritating lotions, creams or other products.

• Get enough rest and sleep during recovery.

• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

• Inform recent sexual partners as advised.

• Avoid sexual contact until your doctor advises that it is safe.

How Long Does Syphilis Treatment Take?

Here are the approximate treatment durations for syphilis based on its stages:

Syphilis Treatment Side Effects

Mentioned below are some possible side effects of syphilis treatment:

• Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site

• Fever

• Chills

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• Diarrhoea

• Stomach discomfort

• Skin rash

• Temporary worsening of syphilis symptoms

• Severe allergic reaction

Lifestyle Changes for Managing Syphilis

Making a few important lifestyle changes can help you manage syphilis symptoms:

• Make sure you get recommended vaccines like hepatitis B and HPV to help protect yourself from certain infections.

• Try to exercise regularly to stay fit and support your overall health.

• Avoid sexual intercourse until you have completed your antibiotic treatment and your doctor confirms the infection is cured.

• Limit your number of sexual partners, undergo routine STI screenings, and ensure recent partners are notified and tested.

• Avoiding smoking is another way to support your health and well-being.

• Avoid sharing needles or other drug-injection equipment, as this can spread infections such as HIV and hepatitis.

• Maintain a nutritious diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and other nutrient-rich foods.

Factors That Can Worsen Symptoms of Syphilis

Syphilis symptoms may worsen with factors such as:

• Untreated or delayed infection

• Co-infection with HIV

• Weakened immune system

• Incomplete antibiotic course

• Reinfection after treatment

• Failure to attend follow-up testing

• Misdiagnosis or wrong antibiotics

• Substance abuse affecting treatment care

• Unchecked partner re-exposure

Syphilis Treatment Cost

The cost of syphilis treatment in India can vary depending on the stage of infection, treatment approach and individual healthcare needs. A clinical evaluation, including consultation, physical examination and review of medical and sexual history, may cost approximately ₹800 to ₹1,500. Follow-up visits and repeat blood tests may add to the overall expense, as monitoring is important after treatment.

Penicillin injections for antibiotics usually cost between ₹2,000 and ₹6,000. Oral antibiotics are typically priced from ₹3,000 to ₹7,000. If you need treatment during pregnancy, the cost is about ₹4,000 to ₹8,000, which includes extra care for both mother and baby.

The final cost depends on the stage of infection, how you respond to treatment, and your specific healthcare needs.

Does Health Insurance Cover Syphilis Treatment in India?

Yes, many comprehensive health insurance plans in India may include syphilis treatment, but the exact coverage depends on the insurer and the policy. Coverage might include hospitalisation expenses, diagnostic tests, doctor’s consultation, medications and other prescribed-treatment costs.

If syphilis is considered a pre-existing disease at the time of purchasing the policy, a waiting period of up to 3 years might apply.

Because syphilis may need ongoing check-ups and treatment for related health issues, having a comprehensive mediclaim policy can help manage costs. A policy with a minimum sum insured of ₹10 lakh to ₹15 lakh can offer a solid financial safety net. If you want more protection, you can choose a higher coverage amount, depending on your healthcare needs.

Note: The coverage, waiting periods, exclusions, and other terms of every policy may be different. Therefore, review all policy documents carefully.