Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) which is caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum. You can spread it through sexual contact, including vaginal, oral and anal sex, and through sharing needles and other injection drug use equipment. But can you get an infection from kissing?

Will you get syphilis from a kiss?

The short answer is no, you cannot get syphilis from kissing. Syphilis is commonly transmitted through direct contact with a syphilis sore, also known as a chancre. These painless sores usually occur on the genitalia, anus, or in the mouth and are highly infectious. However, they are not transmitted through saliva, so kissing, even with an open mouth, is not a risk factor for syphilis transmission.

Apart from sores, a rash on the soles of your feet or palms of your hands can also appear after contracting syphilis, along with swollen lymph nodes in the groin area (glands), armpits, or neck. Severe symptoms usually occur in the tertiary stage of infection, which is the final stage of the disease. These include difficulty coordinating movement, paralysis, numbness, blindness, chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling in the legs, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), abdominal pain, joint pain, swelling, and deformities.

There are debates about the potential for syphilis to spread through kissing, specifically "French kissing." This type of kissing involves the exchange of saliva. There have been rare cases where syphilis has been transmitted through saliva. However, this is not a common transmission mode. The risk of syphilis transmission through deep kissing is shallow. For syphilis to be transmitted through saliva, the saliva must come into direct contact with syphilis sores or mucous membranes, such as the inside of the mouth or genitalia.

Read more: What causes syphilis in men?

What can be spread through kissing?

While syphilis cannot be transmitted through oral contact like mouth-to-mouth kissing, other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can be. These include gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV. It is essential to practice safe sex and use barriers, such as condoms and dental dams (barriers are also recommended during oral sex), to reduce the risk of STI transmission.

Check if there's any presence of syphilis in your body by using this test.

Read more: Can you get chlamydia through kissing?

How is syphilis infection treated?

Syphilis infection is treated with antibiotics, typically penicillin or other antimicrobials such as doxycycline or azithromycin. It is crucial to complete the entire treatment course to ensure the infection is fully cleared.

If caught in the early stages, a single injection of long-acting penicillin can cure syphilis. Additional injections or oral antibiotics may be necessary if the infection has progressed to later stages. Following the treatment plan your healthcare provider prescribes to ensure the infection is fully cleared is essential.

Oral herpes, canker sores, and oral cancer

Several conditions can cause sores or lesions in the mouth that may be mistaken for syphilis. These include:

• Oral herpes is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It is characterised by painful blisters or cold sores on the lips, mouth, or throat. Order a Herpes Simplex Blood Test here.

• Canker sores (also known as aphthous ulcers) refer to small, painful ulcers inside the mouth. They are not contagious and are thought to be caused by various factors, including immune system problems, hormonal changes, and dietary deficiencies.

• Oral cancer is a type of cancer affecting the mouth and throat. It can cause sores or lesions in the mouth that do not heal.

See a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis if you have sores or lesions in your mouth. A healthcare provider can determine the cause of the sores and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Read more: What are the most common STIs?

The takeaway

In conclusion, syphilis is a serious and potentially life-threatening STI that is transmitted through sexual contact and the sharing of needles and injection drug use equipment. While it is possible to transmit syphilis through deep kissing, this is not a typical transmission mode, and the risk is extremely low. To protect yourself from syphilis and other STIs, it is helpful to practice safe sex, limit the number of sexual partners you have, and get tested regularly. If you think you may have been vulnerable to syphilis, seek medical attention as soon as possible to ensure a timely diagnosis and necessary treatment procedures.

Check for any syphilis in your body by using this test.