What Should I Do If There Is a Syphilis Patient at Home?

There are many types of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and syphilis is a very common one. Many people do not understand syphilis and often believe that it is incurable after contracting it. Although syphilis is highly contagious, if effective treatment methods are taken promptly after discovering the infection, the condition can be well controlled. After contracting syphilis, it is important to remain confident and understand that earlier treatment is better. What should be done if there is a syphilis patient in the family?

Syphilis is mainly transmitted through sexual contact, and partially through indirect contact such as sharing clothes, towels, toothbrushes, razors, and dining utensils. Clinically, transmission can also occur through blood transfusion and breastfeeding. If someone in the family has syphilis, it is important to take protective measures during sexual intercourse, such as considering the use of condoms, and it is recommended to avoid sexual intercourse until the syphilis is cured. Additionally, items used by syphilis patients, such as clothes, towels, and toothbrushes, should be isolated to prevent cross-infection.

First, attention should be paid to daily details. Personal items such as underwear should not be placed together with family members and should be washed separately. Underwear and towels should be washed separately and disinfected by boiling. Bathing should not be done in the same basin as others. Secondly, sexual activity should be avoided if one partner has syphilis. If both partners have been infected for more than two years, sexual activity should also be avoided as much as possible, and condoms must be used during sexual contact. If the patient is unmarried, marriage should be allowed only after syphilis is cured. Thirdly, it is important to rest in bed and seek prompt treatment when syphilis is discovered. Special attention should be paid to physical recovery and self-care. During the mid-stage of syphilis, there may be systemic reactions, and bed rest is necessary. Lastly, it is not advisable to become pregnant during the illness. If one partner has syphilis, pregnancy should be avoided, and if it occurs, treatment should be started as early as possible. Whether to retain the fetus should be decided based on the wishes of the pregnant woman.