Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Is Skin Lesions On Face A Sign Of Syphilis?
Question: Recently I kissed woman and did not notice a skin lesion/sore above her lip, right under her nose until we were by a light. My primary concern is syphilis. I know most people would jump to herpes but im terrified of contracting syphilis. Regardless i will test for both, however, do i really have to wait 4-6 weeks for a conclusive syphilis test? This only happened a couple days ago and i would love to have peace of mind as soon as possible. Thank you
Brief Answer:
You may opt for a TPHA test
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I have gone through your query and I have understood your concern.
Oral sex is a low risk as far as STIs are concerned. As you would be aware herpes presents the most common STI that is transmissed through oral sex.
However, in order for you to test for syphilis and having peace of mind as soon as possible, I suggest you to go for a specific test for syphilis which has a shorter window period of about 2 weeks i.e TPHA test, instead of the regular screening test i.e VDRL/RPR test which is usually performed after 4 weeks of a possible sexual contact.
TPHA test also has the advantage that it is more specific for syphilis as compared to VDRL test.
Regards
You may opt for a TPHA test
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I have gone through your query and I have understood your concern.
Oral sex is a low risk as far as STIs are concerned. As you would be aware herpes presents the most common STI that is transmissed through oral sex.
However, in order for you to test for syphilis and having peace of mind as soon as possible, I suggest you to go for a specific test for syphilis which has a shorter window period of about 2 weeks i.e TPHA test, instead of the regular screening test i.e VDRL/RPR test which is usually performed after 4 weeks of a possible sexual contact.
TPHA test also has the advantage that it is more specific for syphilis as compared to VDRL test.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
There was no oral sex. Just kissing. Im more curious to know the transmission risk if that were the case.
Brief Answer:
Kissing is considered to be safe
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for correcting me!! To be XXXXXXX Kissing is not a risk for transmission of syphilis unless if it was an extended, deep kissing and involved exchange of saliva. Only In that case, and provided she had lesions of secondary syphilis in her oral cavity i.e mucous patches, is there a risk. Dry kissing is not a risk at all for syphilis.
Regards
Kissing is considered to be safe
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for correcting me!! To be XXXXXXX Kissing is not a risk for transmission of syphilis unless if it was an extended, deep kissing and involved exchange of saliva. Only In that case, and provided she had lesions of secondary syphilis in her oral cavity i.e mucous patches, is there a risk. Dry kissing is not a risk at all for syphilis.
Regards
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
