Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment
Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment
  • About
  • Syphilis
  • Participants
    • Doctors Involved
  • The Experiment
  • Racism/Unethical Highlights
    • Thinking Changes
    • Laws Created
    • Tuskegee Legacy Project
  • Additional Information
  • Works Cited

Syphilis

     Syphilis is an arduous STD caused by the bacteria, Treponema pallidum. It is spread when one comes in contact with a syphilis sore, which can be found on the anus or in the rectum. Syphilis is not contagious, unless one performs sexual activity with someone who has a syphilis sore. 
Picture
Syphilis growing on a person's left leg
     There are three stages of syphilis: the primary stage, the secondary stage and late syphilis. During the primary stage, there can be a single sore (chancre) or multiple sores. The chancre can last anywhere from three to six weeks and can heal by itself. However, if the proper treatment and medication is not taken, the infection can move to the second stage. During the secondary stage, areas of the skin break out into a rash. Often times, the rash is rough, red with brownish spots and can be seen on the palms of either hands or the bottoms of the feet. If a person does not get treatment, the infection will still exist even if there are no symptoms. During the last syphilis stage, the infection can start to damage internal organs which can cause the inability to move, gradual blindness, paralysis, etc.

     In 1947, penicillin was authenticated as the cure for syphilis. Scientists have found that penicillin or antibiotics could cure the infection for someone who has had it a year or less. The penicillin would treat the disease by killing the syphilis bacteria and preventing any further damage to the body. There is no over-the-counter medicine which can help cure/treat syphilis. 

     




 

 
















 

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