Syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease that doctors describe as a "master of disguise," is on the rise.
As of August 7, 7,013 people were infected nationwide, 1.7 times more than the same period last year.
It has been pointed out that if the increase continues at this pace, the annual number of infected people may exceed 10,000 for the first time since 1999, when statistics began to be collected using the current method.
What kind of disease is syphilis?
how to prevent
What should I do when I'm worried that I might be infected?
We asked an expert for more information.
Ask a doctor at a clinic with a surge in patients
I am Dr. Yasuhiko Onoe, director of "Private Care Clinic Tokyo", who has been treating sexually transmitted diseases for many years.
Last year, Dr. Onoue's clinic treated about 260 syphilis patients.
While the number of infected people is increasing at a record pace nationwide this year, it is said that the number of syphilis patients at Dr. Onoue's clinic has increased by about 1.5 times.
Q What are the symptoms of infection?
(Dr. Onoe)
When infected with syphilis, the first symptoms usually appear after an incubation period of 3 to 6 weeks.
However, some people have no symptoms, while others have symptoms that go away quickly.
Thus, the disease may progress without the person being aware of the infection.
Symptoms progress in stages.
"Phase 1" Swelling and ulceration Almost no pain or itching
About 3 weeks after infection.
A 3-mm to 3-cm swelling or ulcer develops, centered on the site where the causative bacteria entered.
The symptoms may go away in a few weeks, but the syphilis is not cured.
It rarely causes pain or itching.
"Second stage" Red rash all over the body Symptoms may disappear naturally
About 3 months after infection.
A red rash appears all over the body, including the hands and feet, because the bacteria are carried throughout the body in the blood.
The rash is called rose rash because it resembles a rose flower.
In addition, various symptoms such as fever and malaise may occur.
Even at this stage, symptoms may go away on their own, but the syphilis is not cured.
``Third stage'' Inflammation throughout the body, rubber-like tumors may develop
3 years after infection.
Inflammation occurs throughout the body.
Rubber-like growths called "gummas" may form on bones and organs.
In the era when therapeutic drugs were not widely used, there were times when large boils and nosebleeds occurred.
In Japan today, it is rare to reach this stage.
"Phase 4" Symptoms in the brain and cardiovascular system, including symptoms of arteriosclerosis
10 years after infection.
Symptoms appear in the brain, heart, and blood vessels, and paralysis and arteriosclerosis may occur.
This is also rarely seen in Japan today.
Q Pain?
What about itching?
(Dr. Onoe)
Syphilis often presents with various symptoms similar to those of other diseases. Also called
Therefore, it may not be detected early and may progress without being noticed.
When you look at pictures of symptoms, it looks painful with rashes and ulcers, but in reality, it rarely causes pain or itching.
Also, if the symptoms appear in the back of the throat or inside the genitals, the patient may not even be aware of them.
Pregnant women should be careful, the fetus may be infected
(Dr. Onoe)
If left untreated, it will lead to serious symptoms like the 3rd and 4th stages, so early detection is important.
Also, be careful of pregnant women.
If you get syphilis during pregnancy, you can pass it on to your unborn baby, which is called congenital syphilis.
In many cases, there are no particular symptoms at birth, but symptoms appear later on the skin, inflammation of the eyes, and hearing loss.
Stillbirth or premature birth may also occur.
Q What is the reason?
When are you infected?
(Dr. Onoe)
Syphilis is caused by a bacterium called Treponema pallidum, and the infection spreads mainly through sexual intercourse.
Sex without a condom increases the risk, but it can also be transmitted through oral sex and kissing.
Also, even if you are wearing a condom, it is possible to get infected if you come into direct contact with the mucous membranes or damaged skin of an infected person, so be careful.
People tend to think that they are infected through the sex industry, but it is important to be careful not to think that it is someone else's problem because there are cases where you can be infected by your partner even if you do not think of yourself.
Also, from recent medical experience, some people become infected through sexual intercourse with an unspecified number of people through matching apps and SNS encounters.
What is the trend of infection until the first half of this year?
(National Institute of Infectious Diseases)
▽ By the first half of this year, 3768 men and 1855 women were infected.
many men.
▽ By age group, women in their 20s and 30s account for 75%.
Especially in the early 20's.
▽ The number of male patients is increasing in a wide range of age groups from 20s to 50s.
▽ Men who have a history of using the sex industry and women who have a history of working in the sex industry account for about 30% to 40% of the infected, respectively.
▽On the other hand, about 30% of men and women have never used the sex industry.
Q What is the treatment?
(Dr. Onoe)
There is an established treatment for syphilis, and it can be cured with proper treatment.
Antibiotics are commonly used in Japan.
It can be treated by continuing to take medicine for a certain period of time.
Even if the symptoms subside in the middle of the treatment, it is important to continue taking the medicine for the specified period without thinking that you are "cured" by your own judgment.
In addition, a new therapeutic drug that is effective with just one injection was approved last year and has begun to be used this year.
It is hoped that the treatment will become easier, as there is no need to continue taking medicine.
Q You may have an infection.
what should I do?
(Dr. Onoe)
If you have had sexual contact with someone other than your partner, or have done anything that might cause infection, go get tested.
However, one thing to keep in mind is that there are cases in which the test does not detect the infection immediately after infection.
Six weeks after infection, the presence or absence of infection can almost certainly be determined, so it is a good idea to check when you had risky sexual activity.
A blood test is the most common test method.
In addition to visiting a medical institution, you can also undergo tests at local public health centers.
For example, in Tokyo, you can get tested anonymously and free of charge at testing/counseling rooms and public health centers in Shinjuku and elsewhere.
Results can be obtained the next day for normal tests, and 20 to 30 minutes for same-day tests.
The most important thing is to get tested first, because once you know that you have the infection, you can start treatment right away.
Consider screening at “life milestones”
(Dr. Onoe)
The number of syphilis patients has reached the highest level in the last 10 years, and I believe that society as a whole is in a state of concern.
As a preventive measure, it is important to first avoid sexual contact with an unspecified number of people and use condoms.
However, condoms alone do not provide 100% protection, and we do not know under what circumstances, including physical contact, infection will occur.
In order to protect your loved ones from infection, please consider taking a checkup at a milestone in your life, such as when you have a new partner, when you get married, or when you have a child.