Syphilis

Syphilis is among the most serious of sexually " transmitted diseases. In 1990 some 100,000 cases were reported in the United States - a 40 year high-with the highest incidence occurring in urban populations, among people ages 15 to 39.

Epidemiologists attribute the increase to a lack of education about the disease as well as to a rise in the number of prostitutes having unprotected sex. The increase is not reflected among homosexuals or bisexuals, however, presumably because many in that population are using condoms more frequently.

Causes

Syphilis is caused by the spirochete bacterium Treponema pallidum, which gains entrance to the body through minor cuts or abrasions in the skin or mucous membranes, most often during sexual intercourse.

The disease also may be transmitted from mother to child before or during birth.

Diagnostic and Test Procedures

Your doctor will be able to determine you have syphilis by examining your blood for antibodies to the disease.

Treatment

If caught early, syphilis may be cured with antibiotics. But if you allow the disease to progress to the third stage, you may suffer irreversible damage to your heart or nervous system.

If you have syphilis, you'll require follow-up blood tests at regular intervals for at least a year after treatment.

Conventional Medicine

Penicillin is extremely effective in treating the early stages, and fairly effective in treating the later stages, of syphilis.

If you are allergic to penicillin, your physician will give you tetracycline or erythromycin.

Alternative Choices

Because syphilis is a serious, potentially life-threatening disease, you must see a doctor as soon as you think you have it. Besides taking penicillin or its derivatives, you can use several alternative therapies to speed healing.

Acupressure

To treat sexually transmitted diseases, acupressurists work on points that are said to help rid the body of built-up toxins.

Several times a day, massage Liver 3, located on top of the foot between the big and second toes, and Liver 8, on the inside of the leg above the knee. Next, press Kidney 3, on the inside of the leg between the anklebone and Achilles tendon.

Chinese Herbs

A doctor of Chinese medicine will give you a unique herbal formula to help clear toxins from the body.

Herbs beneficial in the treatment of syphilis include Chinese foxglove root (Rehmannia glutinosa) and dong quai (Angelica sinensis).

Herbal Therapies

Cowboys drank sarsaparilla for a reason: The herb that flavored the popular soft drink was once thought to be the only cure for syphilis, which was rampant in Old West brothels.

Sarsaparilla (Smilax officinalis) was also used extensively throughout Europe. Trade records from the mid-19th century show that Great Britain alone imported 150,000 pounds a year.

To treat syphilis, some herbalists advocate the following formula:

Add 2 tbsp each of sarsaparilla and sourdock (Rumex crispus) root to 1 qt boiling water. Simmer for five minutes and add 3½ tsp thyme. Steep covered for one hour.

Drink one to three cups per day. Women may use this tea as a douche.

Homeopathy

In addition to prescribing antibiotics, a homeopathic physician will ask you if any of your ancestors had syphilis or another sexually transmitted disease, on the theory that you could have inherited the tendency to contract syphilis.

If so, a homeopath might prescribe a remedy such as Syphilinum, to help stimulate your immune system's response to the disease.

Nutrition and Diet

One thing you can do yourself to alleviate pain and encourage healing is to watch what you eat. Some nutritionists recommend that you cleanse your body of toxins by fasting for one to three days.

Always check with your physician before beginning a fast. To stimulate your kidneys and flush out your system, drink the juices of pomegranate and cranberry or a combination of celery, parsley, and cucumber.

Eat a balanced diet and avoid high-fat, salty, processed foods, which may make your system too sluggish to fight off disease.

At-Home Remedies

Take a hot bath followed by a cold one to help alleviate the aches and pains associated with syphilis.

Use acupressure massages, which may help rid your body of toxins.

Eat a balanced diet to help build up your immune system.

Prevention

If you're not in a long-term monogamous relationship, always use a condom when having sex.

Complied by Dr. F.I. Biswas, Ottawa, Canada

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